Carl B. Rush

January 20, 1924 - May 31, 2024

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 100th 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.

Video

Download Program

Gathering of Family and Friends

Wesley Methodist Church
  • 3810, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
  • June 18, 2024
  • 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Memorial Service

Wesley Methodist Church
  • 3810, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
  • June 18, 2024
  • 11:00 am

Graveside Service

Paoli Community Cemetery
  • Paoli, Indiana, 47454,
  • July 26, 2024
  • 11:00 am

Comments (11)

    David Westmoreland says:

    Sorry for your loss.

    Annette Heien says:

    Patrice, it’s been a long time and I’m thinking of you today. Be well!

    Linda and Jim Sachitano says:

    So very sorry for your loss Patrice. I just happened upon this when on Broussards’ page today! Wow he had a very eventful 100 years. I’m sure he will be missed.

    Don Trahan says:

    Patrice and family: Carl was a blessing to all who knew him. May God’s peace and grace be with you all. May his precious memory live long in the hearts of all who knew him.

    Missie Landry says:

    Deepest condolences from his family @ Wesley Methodist

    Judy Melling says:

    It was so much fun being around Carl at Collier Park all those years. If he was not present at a trivia game & we needed an answer, everyone would always say, “Where’s Carl? He’ll know the answer!” He was a treasure to all. He will surely be missed.

    Phyllis M. Miller says:

    Sending my deepest sympathy to your family. Rest peacefully Mr. Rush. What a blessing to live 100 years!

    Valerie Rush Sexton says:

    Thankyou Phyllis. He enjoyed the birthday card you sent

    Lloyd Betar says:

    Sunday school class at Wesley was always fun and interesting when Carl was there. I pray that God will give you peace and comfort in this time of grief.

    R Bell says:

    Sincere condolences to the family. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God provide the necessary peace and comfort to your family and friends during this difficult time. Please remember these words of encouragement from the Bible: “Jesus plainly told her: I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” —John 11:20-25.

    Jane Kemplay says:

    Rush family, you are all in my prayers. Great memories of days at North End Methodist. Your dad was such an interesting gentleman. May he rest in peace.

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