Rex Rust | Eulogy
Rex was born into a large family on September 12, 1969, in Cape Girardeau, the youngest child of Gary Wayne and Wendy Kurka Rust. He was educated at the Teacher Training School on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University before transferring to the Cape Girardeau public school system.
Before starting his sophomore year at Cape Central High School, Rex transferred to Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Massachusetts. In his three years at Deerfield, Rex distinguished himself in every possible way. Rex was elected class president his sophomore, junior and senior years, as he excelled both in the classroom and in varsity athletics. His senior year saw him named captain of the football, basketball, and baseball teams. His outstanding qualities were recognized as Rex received the James A. Gunn Award for "outstanding contribution to school life for his loyalty and leadership," the Frank Boyden Award for scholar-athlete, the Tom Ashley Award for outstanding football player, and the Williams Cup given annually to the class member who best exemplifies Deerfield ideals. He also was the chosen Delegate to the first Missouri Scholars Academy (1 of 200 students from over 16,000 applicants). He was the recipient of a life-changing travel scholarship to India for three weeks. He graduated Cum Laude in 1988.
Rex proceeded on to Harvard University for his undergraduate work. At Harvard, among elite students from all over the world, his work and zest for life earned him still more distinction for the leadership qualities that marked every phase of his life. He was a member of the A.D. Finals Club and played baseball for Harvard for three years. His studies included a semester abroad at the London School of Economics and three months traveling through Europe. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, graduating Cum Laude in 1992.
Following graduation, Rex worked for two years in the mergers and acquisitions department of Smith Barney in New York. From there, he joined the private equity firm Code, Hennessy & Simmons in Chicago, where he spent three years. Next, Rex moved to Richmond, VA, where he spent three years working with the private equity firm Colonnade Capital.
While in Richmond, Rex was especially blessed as he met the love of his life, Sherry L. Mills, in February of 1998. On August 8, 2005, Rex and Sherry married in an outdoor ceremony on the beach in Maui, Hawaii. Sherry remained his beloved and cherished partner in all things until the day Jesus called home on January 6, 2022.
In 2000, Rex returned home to Cape Girardeau to serve as co-president of Rust Communications ("Rust"), a second-generation media company that owns and operates 19 daily and 25 weekly newspapers; more than 100 websites and specialty publications; minority ownership in 17 radio stations; and a digital agency specializing in web site development, social media marketing, and other digital services. In addition to media assets, Rust managed a portfolio of commercial real estate investments through its Rust Property Management subsidiary. Based in Cape Girardeau, Rust operates in nine states, primarily in the Midwest.
Along with his leadership in several local civic organizations in Cape Girardeau, including Cape Chamber of Commerce Board (President 2004), Southeast Missouri State University Athletic Boosters Board (President 2003), Old Town Cape Board, and chairman of the finance committee for La Croix United Methodist Church, Rex has served on the Inland Press Association Board (President 2012), American Press Institute Board, Page Cooperative Board, the Division of Youth Services Board for the state of Missouri, Big Brothers Big Sisters ABC Board, Boy Scouts of America Board and is a member of the St. Louis Young Presidents Organization.
"Love God, Love Others."
"Love God, Love Others."
Rex and Sherry shared their passion for serving the Lord in their leadership in the marriage and prison ministries at La Croix United Methodist Church. Rex and Sherry became certified in Prepare/Enrich to offer premarital counseling to couples in their church, as well as friends who were seeking to learn more about their relationship compatibility or those going into marriage. Rex even became an ordained minister to perform a marriage ceremony at Busch Stadium during a St. Louis Cardinals game for a dear friend (of course, he required them to go through premarital counseling before agreeing to do the ceremony). Rex also had a heart for those in prison. He often visited Charleston Maximum Security Prison with a group of men from La Croix. There were two programs that were dear to his heart. One was called the Story Link program. This is where inmates could read a book to their child, have it recorded in their own voice with a personal message and then have it mailed to their child. The other was Men’s Fraternity. This program was one that encouraged and taught men how to live lives of authentic manhood as modeled by Jesus Christ and directed by the Word of God. These programs were life-changing, not only for the inmates but for Rex as well. He often spoke of how much of a blessing those inmates were to him and the wonderful gift of redemption and grace our God gives to us all freely.
In 2010 Rex was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. This challenge he bore up, with Sherry by his side, as he did every challenge that came his way through life: with humility and candor, strength and dignity, relying on, and giving eloquent voice to God's grace. In this as in so many other unnumbered ways, Rex was a rare and steadfast inspiration to others.
More than a few of those who loved him have observed that Rex lived more in his 52 years than others have lived in three longer lifetimes. He always met you with a big, beaming smile and typically a hug to match! The room lit up when he walked in. He was an encourager and loved all people. And they loved him back! He had a sense of humor like no other and brought joy to everyone he met. And how he loved to dance! As his wife will tell you… he didn’t need a partner on the dance floor! Just him and the music! He was known for his ‘centipede” on the dance floor and most every wedding reception received the gift of that particular performance from him. He loved flying and had his pilot's license for many years until his MS diagnosis made it impossible for him to maintain the medical requirements because of the medication. He missed flying immensely and spoke of it often. Rex also enjoyed travel, concerts, real estate development, golf, hiking, listening to “hair bands” of the ’80s, and spending time with his wife. He also loved doing the “crazy shot” when taking a photo. There could be one serious shot, but there had to be a “crazy one” as well (and the crazy shot was always the best). He was one in a million and to know him was to love him. But more than all of these, he loved Jesus with all of his being and he shined the light of Christ in even his most difficult valleys. His motto was Love God, Love Others. And he did both beautifully.
- Written by Jack Oliver, Rex’s Best Friend, and Brother in Christ.
