Gary Rust: A man of great devotions

Gary Rust

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Gary Wayne Rust, a Missouri state representative who founded a media company that grew to 50 newspapers in eight states, died at his home on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, surrounded by his wife, children and many grandchildren. He was 89. Although accomplished in many things — from business to sports to politics — his greatest love and joy was his wife, Wendy. READ MORE

Since October, my father has been on hospice at his home, his spirit strong but his body breaking down, daily life largely in a wheelchair.

Time with family has been wonderful and uplifting, including a niece’s wedding at his house with more than 100 guests, a celebration of Thanksgiving over four weekends as sisters, brothers and their children from across the country came to visit in small groups rather than as one gathering: better to spend time one-on-one talking deeply and sharing beautiful stories. Christmas and New Year’s were filled with joy around the dinner table or just talking at the smaller kitchen table, where until recently he always had a book he was reading and his television remote controls — to flip between cable news channels and, especially on weekends, sports.

Then, the day after New Year’s, the end began to come quickly. His spirit was strong; his body breaking down. Still, his humor prevailed.

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Jon K. Rust is publisher of the Southeast Missourian and president of Rust Communications.