Carl B. Rush

Carl B. Rush was born January 20, 1924, to Ray and Bernice Goshert Rush in Mentone, Indiana.  His early years in Indiana were spent working on their farm, custodian at city library, working in machine shop, and custodian at the bank. His family taught him a strong work ethic that he continued throughout his life and was carried on to his children and grandchildren. He never had a lazy day in his life – he was either working, doing things with family, volunteering, or reading a book.

He attended Purdue University and obtained a Mechanical Engineering Degree in 1948.  His time in college was interrupted by his service in The US Army during World War II.  He was an Army Technical Staff Sargent at First Army Headquarters.  He served in England, France, Belgium and Germany.  In 1946, he married Mary Eva Thompson.  They met at the Wesley Foundation at Purdue University.  In 1948 moved to Texas, and he began working at Stanolind Oil and Gas/Pan American Oil Company.  Carl then sold oil field equipment for McMurry Oil Tools, before he began a long career with Lincoln National Life Insurance Company where he retired in 1988.  He held many positions in the local Chartered Life Underwriter Association and Petroleum Engineering Society.  Many people knew him as “The Bookseller”, from his days of selling and buying used books at Larry’s Antiques Mall and Giant Flea Market.  Mary Eva always said “he was born with a book in his hand” because you hardly ever saw him without a book.

Carl and his family joined North End Methodist/Wesley Methodist Church in 1952 and he participated with scouting, Methodist Men, teaching Sunday School, Church Board, directing church plays, and cutting the annual Christmon Tree.  Until recently he was active volunteering at the Pumpkin Patch, sharpening knives at the garage sale, attending church, and Sunday school.  You could also see Carl downtown volunteering at the Texas Energy Museum for 28 years.  He loved to share stories of his experiences working in the oil patch.  He wrote a book entitled “Lazy Bench Tales”, of stories and experiences he had while working in the oil industry. His other hobbies were reading, working crossword puzzles, watching Jeopardy, and playing a mean game of Scrabble.  Everyone in the family had a goal to beat him in Scrabble, which did not happen very often.

In January, He celebrated his 100^th Birthday with family and friends.  He received over 300 cards and greetings.  Reaching 100 years old was one of his goals on his bucket list.

May 16, 2024, our dad received confirmation that he was nominated as a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor by Decree of President of France.  This award testifies to the French Government’s high esteem for his merits and in appreciation of his personal and precious contribution to the United States’ decisive role in the liberation of France during World War II.  Dad was so very proud of the time he spent serving our country and of this award nomination.

The last nine plus years he lived an active life at Collier Park in Beaumont, Texas. Through the years he has met many new friends and has participated in numerous activities.  He loved his daily crossword puzzles and weekly scrabble games.  Anything to do with trivia, history, math, and general information is where you would find Carl.  He was referred to as a “walking encyclopedia” by many of the residents.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Eva Thompson Rush; parents; five sisters; and two brothers. He is survived by his brother, Don Rush (June) Corunna, Indiana; children, Valerie Sexton (Bob) Manchester, Connecticut; Thomas Rush; William Rush (Connie) Powhatten, Virgina; Patrice Rabalais (Glen) Beaumont, Texas; Robert Rush (Trudy), Lydia, Louisiana.; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

A special thank you to the Staff and Residents of Collier Park and Dr. Mustafa Musa – who was more like a friend than a doctor to dad.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Texas Energy Museum, 600 Main St. Beaumont, Texas 77701 or The Orange County Historical Society, P.O. Box 454, Paoli, Indiana  47454

A gathering of Mr. Rush’s family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m. with his memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday,  June 18, 2024, at Wesley Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

His graveside service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 26, 2024, at Paoli Community Cemetery, Paoli, Indiana.