Colonel Barry Paul Rust, 81

Colonel Barry Rust, (USMC-retired), 81, died Sept. 23, 2014, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. He was born March 23, 1933, to Henry G. Rust and Juanita (Bennett) Rust in Coeur d' Alene.

Barry was raised in Coeur d'Alene, graduating from high school in 1951. He was a member of the band and participated in several sports, excelling in tennis, winning the Idaho state men's singles championship his senior year.

Barry graduated from University of Idaho in Moscow, with a business degree in 1955. While at the University he was enrolled in the Naval ROTC program and upon graduation, became a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marines. Barry met his wife, Ro Jeanne Coyle from Nampa, Idaho, at the University and they were married June 11, 1995.

Seven days later the newlyweds left for Virginia where Barry began his military career at The Basic School in Quantico. This was followed by a short tour with the first Marine Division in Camp Pendleton, Calif. During this time Barry and Ro Jeanne's first son Cory was born Jan. 13, 1957. Barry was then sent to the Marine Barracks, U.S. Naval Station, Adak, Alaska. Second son Michael was born Nov. 14, 1958, in Nampa, Idaho, while Barry was on leave before reporting to the Marine Corps Supply Center, Albany, Ga. After Albany, he went to The Defense General Supply Center Richmond, Va., where he was chosen to be aid to the base commanding officer. Youngest son Terry was born at nearby Fort Lee, Va., on March 29, 1963. From Richmond, Barry attended the Amphibious Warfare School in Quantico prior to leaving for Vietnam.

In Vietnam he served as supply officer for West PAC Marine Air Missile Battalion in Chu Lai. Besides his wartime duties in Vietnam, Barry had the opportunity to make friends with the local Vietnamese children - this experience was something he never forgot later in life, even as his memory was failing. After Vietnam, Barry went to University of California at Los Angeles, to become the Marine Officer Instructor NROTC unit. While at UCLA, the Rust family became avid basketball fans. One of Barry's fondest memories was getting to sit in on basketball practices and developing a relationship with legendary coach John Wooden.

During another overseas tour, this time in Okinawa, Barry served as staff officer for Headquarters 3rd Division Marine Amphibious Forces. He was then assigned to Philadelphia and spent four years at the Marine Corps Supply Activity. His next tour of duty brought him to the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Ga., serving as Director of Material Division. Barry's dedication and service to the Corps awarded him his highest rank of Colonel. Shortly after his promotion he was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Barry held positions of base supply officer and Chief of Staff to the base commanding officer General Al Gray who later went on to be Commandant of the Marine Corps - one of Barry's proudest achievements was to serve under General Gray. Upon leaving Camp Lejeune he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. Barry's last duty was at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., serving 30 years to the Corps, he retired July 15, 1985.

Colonel Rust, was an honorable and patriotic Marine and a man of virtue and high moral character whose hard work put him near the top of his field, awarding him the Legion of Merit - one of the highest military honors given.

The love for Coeur d'Alene brought Barry back to his native state, where he resided until his death. Anyone who knew him enjoyed the stories and pictures he shared about his hometown and surrounding area. If you were lucky, you were the recipient of one of his treasured photos, taken by his grandfather Rust in the early days of Coeur d'Alene. During his retirement he enjoyed swimming at Sanders beach (and tubing Coeur d'Alene river), hiking, biking, and fishing. Barry spent countless hours working in his yard and always enjoyed having one of the nicest ones in the neighborhood.

Barry is survived by his wife; sons, Cory of Coeur d'Alene; Michael (Patsy) of Scottsdale, Ariz.; Terry (Cindy) of Franklin, Tenn.; Grandchildren, Tyler, Alexandra, Mike, Hailey, and Kadee Rust; sisters, Sally (Bruce) Mauser of LaConner, Wash.; and Henrietta Wolfe of Spokane, Wash.

Preceded in death by parents and grandparents, Henry J. and Lilian Rust; John (JE) and Trudy Bennett.

Special thanks to Bella Angel Resident Home and Auburn Crest Hospice for the loving care given to Barry during his final days - you were all simply wonderful!

English Funeral Chapel is in charge of final arrangements. At request of family, no services will be held at this time. Donations in the name of Colonel Barry P. Rust can be made to Alzheimer's Association - Coeur d' Alene Chapter, Auburn Crest Hospice - Post Falls, ID, or the Wounded Warrior Project.