Donald V. Rust passed away on May 5, 2017 from natural causes. He was 94 years old. He will be laid to rest at Highland Cemetery on Friday, May 12th at 2:00 pm with Military Honors.

Donald was born on January 19, 1923 in Fort Benton, Montana. He spent his childhood there, graduating from Fort Benton High School in 1941. He spent one year at Indiana State University before joining the Army. He served with General Patton during the Battle of the Bulge, and was proud of his role in liberating two concentration camps. Donald was honorably discharged in 1946.

A true Montana man, Donald returned to his home state after his military career. He became the plant manager for Evans Grain and remained there for a remarkable 41 years. He met his future wife, Shirley Lucero, not long after his return home. The two were married on October 4, 1947 in Great Falls. Together they raised two boys, Rick and Donald.

Don enjoyed hunting and fishing and playing pool at the Buckhorn Bar. His greatest joy came from being with his grandkids; he loved playing with them and watching their sporting events. He will truly be missed by those he leaves behind.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Shirley M Rust; sons, Rick (Jamie) Rust and Donald (Sherry) Rust; sisters, Dorothy Samuels and Jay Schlecht; as well as five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Those who have preceded him in death include his parents, Irvin M. & Bertha E. Rust; brothers, Wayne and Gerald Rust; and sisters, Jean Ortez and Pearl Ludeman.

 Service Information