Larry Rust

Larry Michael Rust, 77, passed away March 24, 2026 at his home covered in love with his wife, Mary and five children.

Larry was born October 28, 1948 in Roseburg OR to Gerald and Thelma Rust of Glide OR. The story told is that his dad was elk hunting on the Middle Fork in Eastern Oregon and shot a 5-point elk on the day he was born. This began a life-long passion of all things hunting. Growing up on Deer Creek out of Glide created many wonderful memories that were shared with his four siblings and childhood friends. Those childhood friends remain close to this day. Larry graduated from Glide High School in 1966 where he was a star athlete in football, basketball, and track. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Oregon, where he played football along side his older brother Jack. In 1969, Larry married his high school sweetheart, Fay Ann Hansen and began his career working for Pacific Power and Light. They moved to Klamath Falls and later settled in Grants Pass where they raised their children Annie and Clint. Larry loved his work as a journeyman lineman and took great pride in his job. Life revolved around his passions, hunting, fishing, camping and all things sports related. Larry retired from PacifiCorp in 2006 after 37 years. After retirement, he worked for Keyline Construction inspecting power lines. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 659, serving on the executive board for many years. Larry’s passion for hunting led him to volunteering for the Three Rivers Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He served as membership chairman and was a staunch supporter soliciting many donations and sharing their mission. “It’s for the elk”, was his favorite saying told to all. Larry’s greatest joy came from being alongside his grandkids when they had successful hunts, sharing stories and their love of being outdoors and hunting. The smile on his face said it all.

Larry leaves behind his wife of 20 years, Mary; son Clint (Allison) Rust of Philomath OR and daughter Annie (Eddie) Austin of Folsom CA, stepchildren Joe (Sherri) Soares of Huson MT, Laurie Bastian (James) of Grapevine TX and Charley (Ann-Marie) Soares of Grants Pass, many grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, and four siblings, Gerald (Bud) Rust, Jack Rust, Bonnie Riendel and Betty Rust.

He was predeceased by his first wife Fay Ann Rust, and parents Gerald and Thelma Rust.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 11, 2026 in the Friends Building - Josephine County Fairgrounds, 1451 Fairgrounds Road, Grants Pass OR 97527.

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