Wilbur Rex Rush's Obituary
Wilbur Rex Rush arrived on February 18, 1930 in Coydon, IA and departed this life May 19, 2014 at Mercy Medical Center Long Term Care. He was born to parents IG (Isaac George) and Dollie Marie (McCullough) Rush the youngest of 7 children.
Wilbur graduated from Corydon High School in 1948 and soon after enlisted into the Army. He served in Seattle, WA and Nuremburg, Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1954. After returning to Wayne Co. he attended AIB in Des Moines and graduated in 1956. He was hired as a teller at Centerville National Bank and thus began a 30 plus year career in banking. Wilbur was an Ag loan officer for several years and when he retired in 1992 he was SR Vice President. He continued working part time in a public relations position with his partner in crime L Jay Johnson.
On May 24, 1959 he married Joyce Houser at the First Baptist Church in Centerville and to this union 2 children were born, James Curtis and Kae Lynne. In 1991 grandson Tyler was born and was a constant source of pride.
Since Wilbur was literally raised in Corydon's Walden Park with the golf course as his back yard golf has always been a passion. If not hunting, fishing or woodworking he was golfing. His great joy was golf an card games with buddies, Myron DeVore, David Taylor and Bill Franklin. He also enjoyed having lunch with the gang at the 18-80 club and going on casino adventures with son-in-law Steve Morgan. Another joy was going to grandson Tyler's musical performances especially the Municipal Band concerts on the square.
Wilbur was associated with many organizations over the years. He was a 50plus year member of the Jackson Masonic lodge, Appanoose Co. Country Club, VFW, Lion's Club and the First United Methodist Church. He was a past member of the Drake Ave. Library board and the Park Board as well as groups Elks Club, Isaac Walton League, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants forever and the Kaaba Shriners.
Preceding him in death were his parents, beloved wife Joyce in 2008 and siblings Pauline (Chester) Anderson, Arline (Blair) Hawn, William (Janett) Rush, Marvin (Marveline) Rush, Elverda (Wayne) Phillips and brother in law Joseph Hellyer.
Surviving family are children James Rush of Bettendorf, IA and Kae (Steve) Morgan and grandson Tyler Morgan of Centerville. Sister Wilma Hellyer of Springfield, MO and brother in law Jerry (Glenna) Houser of Urbandale, IA as well as several beloved nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11am Friday, May 23, 2014 at the First Methodist Church, Centerville with Pastor Dennis Gilbert officiating. Visitation will be held Friday from 10AM until service time at First Methodist Church. Burial with military rites will be in the Mt Ararat Cemetery. Memorials have been established to First United Methodist Church, the 18-80 Club or the Appanoose County Historical Society and may be given to Lange Funeral Home and Crematory, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be left at www.langefh.com
Celebration of Life
May 23, 2014 11:00 AM
First Methodist Church North Main Centerville, IA
What’s your fondest memory of Wilbur?
What’s a lesson you learned from Wilbur?
Share a story where Wilbur's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Wilbur you’ll never forget.
How did Wilbur make you smile?

