Peter Adams Rush

Peter Adams Rush passed into our Lord’s hands Thursday, February 6th, just one week shy of his 80th birthday. Pete, being the avid golfer he was, always thought 79 was better than 80. He was born to Oscar Parker Rush III (Pete) and Marjorie Waltz Rush on February 13, 1934. He grew up in Kansas City, MO. To earn spending money, Pete began caddying at Indian Hills Country Club and stumbled upon his lifelong passion for golf. Upon graduation from Southwest High School, he enrolled at his beloved alma mater, the University of Kansas.

As a Jayhawk, Pete lettered four years on the golf team. He was also a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity where he made life long friends. Upon graduation from KU, he joined the United States Air Force. He eventually “landed” in Harlingen, Texas where he met his best friend, future business partner and soon-to-be brother-in-law, Bill Klingman. Bill introduced Pete to his little sister, Donna Elizabeth Klingman. Pete and Donna wed on December 28, 1957 and began their 56-year love affair. Their journey included raising three children: twins Parker William and Paul Adams and later a daughter, Marjorie Elizabeth.

Pete was foremost a servant of the Lord and never missed a chance to share God’s message of love and grace. He enjoyed his volunteer work at Austin Street Shelter where he served both food and kind words to homeless people. Years before people understood the Aids disease, Pete fearlessly and steadfastly served as an Aids minister to those suffering at the Hillcrest House. As Alzheimer’s disease limited his abilities, he just found new ways to serve; he befriended a little buddy at Eric Johnson Elementary School, Dimas, and joyfully read to him and mentored him every Thursday!

Pete liked to stay active and enjoyed many clubs and men’s groups. Among the most important were the Salesmanship Club of Dallas and Saturday golf at the Dallas Country Club. He also was an active member of the Turtle Creek Men’s Breakfast Club. He was a member of Church of the Incarnation, where he served in many ways including the vestry, usher, and chalice bearer. Later upon learning that he had Alzheimer’s Disease, he courageously served as the only patient on the North Texas Alzheimer’s Board, giving them first hand knowledge of what it is like to actually live with the disease.

Professionally, Pete and Bill started the Rush & Klingman Insurance Agency in 1961. They merged with Ellis Crotty Powers in 1977, and were eventually purchased by Corroon and Black. Pete ended his long and successful insurance career with McQueary Henry Bowles Troy. The family would like to thank Don Bowles and Bill Henry for their enduring support.

As word got out that Pete had fallen ill, the overriding sentiment from people was that Pete was a kind and gentle soul. He put God first, others second and himself third. He leaves behind many loved ones including wife, Donna; children Parker and Beth, Paul, Marjorie and Justin; grandchildren Hayley and Jon Nelson, Reed Rush, Peter and Ellen Rush, and Hannah, Oliver and Amanda Milici; and great grand-daughter Parker Nelson. Pete was also the beloved uncle to Bruce Klingman, Steve Klingman, Jim Rush and Robin Brewer. Pete leaves behind a brother, Robert Parker Rush and his wife Molly; and Marilyn Klingman, his sister-in-law.

The family would like to thank C.C. Young and their staff, Kate Culbertson, Faith Hospice Care, and Southwestern Alzheimer’s Study. Also, his caring team of doctors: Jennifer Edwards and Fish Greenfield who led Pete and his family though an amazing Alzheimer’s journey. Thank you.

Viewing will be Sunday February 9th, 5:00-7:00 PM at Sparkman Hillcrest, 7405 W. Northwest Highway. Funeral service will be Monday, February 10th at 2:00 pm, the Church of the Incarnation, 3966 McKinney Ave.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to one of the following:

Salesmanship Club of Dallas

Church of the Incarnation

Alzheimer’s Association

‘Well done, good and faithful servant! …Come and share your master’s happiness!’

Matthew 25:21