Posted by Terry Powers on November 19, 2022:

BLOOMINGTON John Laurence "Jack" Rust, 87, of Santa Fe, N.M., formerly of Bloomington, passed away July 8, 2012, in Phoenix. Private family interment will be at the National Cemetery, Santa Fe. He was preceded in death by his parents, Laurence A. Rust and Bernice Brown Rust; stepmother, Mary Franklin Rust; and two brothers, Laurence A. Rust Jr. and David E. Rust. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Donna; children, Julia (Ray, deceased) Bowdich, Jane (Bill) Janke, Amy (James) Donohue, Kevin Contreras and John D. Rust; 10 grandchildren, Glenn Janke, Jodie (Michael) Maguire, Erin (Adam) Stephens, Tom Donohue, Justin Rust, John Donohue, Sullivan Contreras, Kelsey Rust, McCailey Contreras and Teryn Zeleny; brother-in-law, Ron (Nancy) Kinnard; and canine pal, Rosie. Graduating in 1943 from Bloomington High School, he enlisted in the Army and later received his West Point appointment. At West Point, Jack was a cadet captain and company commander. He played football and lacrosse and was named to the All-American lacrosse team in 1947, 1948 and 1949. He was inducted into the Army Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. After graduating in 1949, Jack served in the 6th Armored Cavalry in Europe. He resigned his commission to go into business while continuing to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring as a colonel in 1985. Jack's love affair with New Mexico began in 1960 with an offer from Caterpillar Tractor to take over the dealership from R. L. Harrison. He expanded the territory to include all of New Mexico and west Texas. For over 42 years, Jack successfully led Rust Tractor Co. with passion, integrity and love for his customers and business partners, including over 400 employees. His quietly applied leadership skills, his ever-considerate demeanor and his thoughtful direction in remarkably diverse responsibilities were appreciated by all ranks, sectors and personages. Jack led a life of effective leadership and meaningful service. The generous spirit of "Happy Jack," as he was affectionately known to his family, has been exemplified by his many charitable contributions. www.findagrave.com/memorial/93612652/john-laurence-rust

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