Norman M Rust

Norman M. Rust, 68, of New Castle passed away Monday in his home after he fought a very brave battle with lung cancer. He was born June 5, 1943 in New Castle, a son of Palmer and Louise (Reno) Rust Jr.

A 1961 graduate of Walter P. Chrysler High School, Norman began working in 1963 with his father at Culligan Water Conditioning. Norman then bought the business in 1988 and he and his wife Betty, owned and operated the business, both retiring in 2010. Over the years, Norman continued to support and attend events for the Optimist Little League Basketball program, of which his father started, thus being the oldest sponsor of the program. He was also a member of Christ United Methodist Church in New Castle.

Always known by his cowboy hat and big heart, Norman enjoyed horseback riding and wagon trains to Brown County. He was also a member of the Eagles, Elks and Moose Lodges, was active in Muscular Dystrophy fundraising. A well known community advocate, he was an active member of the New Castle/Henry County Chamber of Commerce and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted best friend, wife, and business partner, Betty Rust of New Castle; three daughters, Nora L. (husband, Steve) Rust, Kathy Rust Eldridge and Rebecca Rust all of New Castle; grandchildren, Gy.Sgt. Nicholas (wife, Maria Josefina) Rust, of San Diego, CA, Rachel Rust (husband, Keith) Johnisee of New Castle, Rick Blevins II of Indianapolis, and Heather Eldridge of New Castle; great grandchildren, Isaiah, Gabriel, Malachi and Noah Rust, Ava Mae Jaggers Rust and Aiden Johnisee; mother, Louise Rust of New Castle; brother, David (wife, Nikki) Rust of Appleton, WI; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Rick and Barb Carter of New Castle; beloved dog: Ellie Mae.

He was preceded in death by his father, Palmer Rust Jr.; a brother, Theodore Rust.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 9, 2011 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastor Jim Becker officiating. Entombment will follow in Green Hills Memory Gardens Mausoleum. Friends may call from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be given to the Henry County Community Foundation, Norman Rust Fund (to benefit Relay for Life), Post Office Box 6006, New Castle, IN 47362 or the New Castle First Aid, 1515 “I” Ave., New Castle, IN 47362 with envelopes available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hinsey-brown.com .