William Elton "Pete" Rust

William Elton “Pete” Rust, 84, of Independence, MO passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2015. A visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 17th at Speaks Suburban Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 18th at the chapel. Burial will be at Mound Grove Cemetery, Independence, MO.
Pete was born October 5, 1930 in Webster County near Niangua, MO as one of four children to Turner Gayford and Katie (McGoon) Rust. He graduated from Niangua High School before enlisting and proudly serving his country in the U.S. Army from 1947-49. He met his wife Betty Louise (Crippen) in 1952 and was married shortly after on March 22nd. Together they raised four boys. He worked in electrical construction as a journeyman lineman for Independence Power and Light and IBEW #53 until his retirement in 1990. Pete enjoyed camping, road trips, gardening, fishing, bowling, being with his family, and especially eating watermelon. They were faithful members of RLDS Liberty Street Congregation for over fifty years. He is also a fifty plus year member of Masonic Lodge of Independence #76, Ararat Shine Temple, Jackson County Shrine Club, as well as a 32nd Degree Mason with the Scottish Rite. He was also a member of VFW Post 1000. His family remembers him as humble, soft spoken, supportive and full of love. Pete is survived by wife of 63 years, Betty; sons, Elton Rust; Mark Rust and wife Debra; Kenneth Rust and wife Cynthia; and Will Rust all of Independence, MO; twelve grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; brother, Larry Rust and wife Bonnie of Springfield, MO; and sister-in-law, Sue Rust of Marshfield, MO. He was preceded in death by sister, Evelyn Bradshaw; brother, David Rust; and granddaughter Jackelyn Rust. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)