Rusk, Robert William "Bill"

Robert W. 'Bill' Rusk

June 13, 1920 - April 3, 2011

NEWPORT, Ind. — Robert W. “Bill” Rusk, 90, of Newport, passed away at 6:45 a.m. EDT Sunday, April 3, 2011, at his residence.

He was born June 13, 1920, in Danville, Ill., the oldest son of the late Cash and Katherine Garrett Rusk. He lived in Veedersburg before moving to Newport. He married Dorothy M. Neff his wife of 64 years on Friday, Sept. 13, 1946, at her home in Newtown, Ill. She survives.

Other survivors include two sons, Robert A. Rusk of Rockville and Donald G. Rusk of Newport; two granchildren, Robert M. (Meghan) Rusk of Chesterfield, Mo., and Kathryn Ann Rusk of Columbia City; one sister, Mary Jo Livengood of Lafayette; three brothers, Richard (Lorna) Rusk of Veedersburg; Tom Rusk of Lake Park, Ga., and Roy (Francis) Rusk of Hutchinson, Kan.; one brother-in-law, Glen Marrow of Danville, Ill.; one sister-in-law, Donna Cunningham of Veedersburg; several nieces, nephews and cousins and a host of friends.

Bill attended school in Veedersburg until the age of 16. He then took on the job of helping his mother provide for his younger brothers and sisters.

He joined the CC’s in Lafayette then went on to join the United States Army on Dec. 1, 1941. He served four years, being honorably discharged on Nov. 25, 1945. He was very proud of his four years in the service. Bill fought in the Battle of the Bulge and received several awards.

Bill was very active in sports and enjoyed fishing and golfing until ill health took this away. He was a big Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers fan. Bill was a member of the Newport United Methodist Church and the Newport American Legion Post 184. He served as chief of police in Veedersburg and formerly worked at the Army Ammunition Plant in Newport. He was on the original school board for North Vermillion High School. He retired from Olin in Covington after 30 years. Bill and his wife enjoyed spending the winter months in Florida. He was very proud of his family, especially his grandchildren that he always called his pride and joy.

Memorial services: 6 p.m. EDT Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at DeVerter Funeral Home in Cayuga, with military rites following services at the church; Officiating: the Rev. Jon Overbey; Visitation: 4-6 p.m. EDT Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at the funeral home. Per his wishes, Bill will be cremated and burial of cremains will be held at a later date in Rockfield Cemetery in Veedersburg. Contributions may be made to the Newport United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 263, Newport, Ind. 47966-0263. Condolences: www.deverterfuneralhome.com.