Kenneth Dean Rusher, Jr., 69, of Macomb, died at 3:11 p.m. Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at home.
Dean was born August 30, 1951 in Christopher, IL, the son Kenneth Dean and Leota Mae (Sutton) Rusher, Sr. Dean married Eva Owsley on January 14, 1970. Their marriage brought one son, Michael Rusher of Colchester and one daughter, Kathy Rusher of Tampa, FL. Dean later married Brelinda J. Claeys on May 6, 1990 in Bowling Green, MO. She preceded him in death on August 15, 2009. Along with his two children, Dean is survived by his mother, Leota Rusher of Lomax; a step-son, William “Woody” Beaty, Jr., of Ft. Campbell, KY; two brothers, Jeff (Sharon) Rusher of Macomb and Steve Rusher of Lomax; one sister, Tina (Stan) Carley of Galesburg; six grandchildren; numerous step grandchildren; and his dog Harley, he did everything with her including sharing his meals. Along with his wife, Brelinda and his father, Dean was preceded in death by one brother, Greg Rusher; and two sisters, Barbara Floyd and Vicky Rusher.
Dean was a career serviceman in the US Army serving from 1974 to 1989. He enjoyed watching St. Louis Cardinals Baseball, collecting baseball and military memorabilia, being with his family and animals.
Family and close friends are invited to attend his funeral service 1:30 p.m. Monday, January 11, 2021 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be made to the family. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
