Mr. Francis Roy Rustin's Obituary
Francis Roy Rustin was born June 22, 1922 in Columbia, South Carolina to Mary Alda (Stoudemire) and Milford Roy Rustin. He was the next to youngest of 5 children. His family moved around the south for his father work as a furniture company sales representative and after graduating from high school in Jackson, Mississippi, Francis moved to Greensboro, N. C. to attend Guilford College. When the United States entered the war, he tried to enlist multiple times. However, his hip had been broken while playing football in high school, and having not been set correctly, his left leg remained shorter than his right. Because of this, every branch of the service turned him down, classifying him as 4F.
Eventually, Francis moved to Dallas, TX, where he met a cute young lady named Ann Massey, and before long they married in 1947. After years working in the poultry industry in Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri, Francis opened his own agricultural manufacturing business in Springfield, Missouri. Always a “Mr. Fix-it”, he invented, patented, and manufactured a watering system for use in poultry houses, and found great success.
Francis and Ann had two daughters, one grandson, and many family dogs. They loved square dancing, gardening, and church activities – choir for Ann and ushering for Francis (among other volunteer positions). Upon retirement, they moved to Missouri City, TX to be “near their girls,” and so Ann could be near M. D. Anderson. Sadly, after a long battle with cancer, Ann passed away in 1999. Francis dearly missed her.
Undoubtedly, Francis shared his huge giving heart with family, friends and even strangers. He had a “never give up” spirit, a no job too hard or beneath him attitude, and found humor in almost every situation. He always wanted to be a comedian, and many would say he succeeded!
Francis was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Marguerite Ballard and Hazel Fechtel; his brothers, Sydney Rustin and Richard Rustin; his youngest daughter, Janet Rene’ Carpenter. He is survived by his eldest daughter, Judy Farley and her husband Ken Farley; his grandson, Todd Rustin Meier and his wife Carmen and their son Owen, his great grandson; his son-in-law, John Carpenter. There are also many loving nieces and nephews.
On Monday, November 2, 2015, there will be a short visitation at 9:00AM at South Park Funeral Home and Cemetery (1310 N. Main St., Pearland, TX), with a graveside service at 10:00AM.
On Thursday, November 5, 2015, at 6:30PM, a Memorial Service will be held at Francis’ church, First United Methodist Church, Missouri City, TX, in the Chapel (3900 Lexington Blvd.).
The family wishes to thank Colonial Oaks at First Colony for the years of love and genuine care they showed to Francis and to every family member – Clarissa Woods and the entire staff have our eternal gratitude. Also, sincere thanks to Sharon Hempler, with North American Hospice, for her tender, loving care. We have certainly been blessed by these beautiful people who have chosen to serve others.
Please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, www.alzfdn.org or the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org if you wish to honor our loved ones in this way.
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