Larry Dean Rust, 72, of Owasso, Ok was born in Tulsa, OK on Tuesday, July 8th, 1952 and passed into eternity in heaven on Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 in Tulsa. He was a beloved son to Donald Mac Rust and Imogene (Shelman) Rust Hilterbrand.
Larry attended secondary education school in Tulsa where he met David Roe in the 3rd grade who has remained a lifelong friend. He then moved to Sperry schools prior to moving to Owasso, where he attended Owasso High School through the class of 1971.
Larry always had a strong work ethic, beginning at the age of 12, he started his first job as a paperboy, then went to work at Griff’s Hamburgers, Hancock Fabrics, and Safeway/Homeland during his high school years. In August of 1971, he joined the United States Army on the buddy system with Owasso friend, Joe Wolfe.
On June 9th, 1972, while being home on leave, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Teresa “Terri” Lynn Willsey. They returned together to Schweinfurt, Germany on July 4th, 1972, where they began their adventures together. Over the next 2 years, they spent time with their hometown friends bowling, playing cards and traveling all over Europe. During his time in the Army while stationed in Germany as part of the 3rd Infantry Division, he completed his High School education at Nuernberg American High School in June of 1974. He worked as a clerk typist, postal personnel and driver for General Latham. He was honorably discharged in August of 1974, holding the rank of SPEC4.
After returning home to Owasso, he worked at various places such as Seismograph Service Corporation in the traffic department, downtown Tulsa US Post Office, Frito-Lay as a route salesman, Harley Industries in purchasing, briefly worked for UPS as a driver. He also joined the Marine Corp Reserves for a short time with his brothers Jimmie and Bobby. His longest career history began in 1984 at American Airlines as a stock clerk in the warehouse. He quickly promoted to Crew Chief Supervisor in the Union and then was promoted into Inventory Control management as a buyer which ended in September of 2001 due to the World Trade Center tragedy. After a brief retirement, he became employed with Ecolab Pest Elimination in March of 2003 which ended in September of 2009 due to a severe back injury.
Larry’s greatest enjoyment in life was spending time with his family. His favorite pastimes included boating, camping, fishing, hunting, cookouts, pool parties, reading, photography, and working on “Mr. FixIt” projects for the family, and in recent years, napping with his cat, Baby. He loved our country and was a true Patriot. He was known affectionately by his family as PPW (Papa Warry) or PPWE (PPW Esquire) and told jokes better than anyone we knew. Over the years Larry enjoyed traveling to Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Virginia, Las Vegas, Mississippi, and the Caribbean. He was a Master Mason and had been a member of the Owasso Masonic Lodge #545 and also received the 32nd degree of the Scottish Rite.
Preceded in death by:
Father, Donald Mac Rust, Mother, Imogene Shelman Rust Hilterbrand, Brothers, Jimmie Rust and Bobby Rust
Survived by:
Wife, Teresa (Terri) Rust
Daughters, Summer Johnson and husband Rayme, Tera Pogue and husband Billy
7 grandchildren: Kelsey Swinney, Rowan Johnson, Joe Pogue, Elizabeth Pogue, Hunter Pogue, Colton Fowler, Chase Pogue and one great-granddaughter on the way.
Sisters, Donna Fawcett and husband Larry Fawcett, and Pat Childress and husband Phil Childress.
Sister in laws, Bonnie Rust, Linda Bauer, and Lisa Mcknight as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
