Rusty was the second of four children, and was born in Ada, Oklahoma to Earl G. and Virginia Sledge. Rusty loved growing up with his large family. His love of the outdoors, cars and farming began at an early age as he spent summers working on the farms owned by grandparents and aunts and uncles. He also spent time working in the family owned drug stores in the Panhandle, West Texas and Oklahoma.
After graduating from San Angelo High School he attended the University of Mississippi at Oxford to play football. He departed Ole Miss with a football injury and spent a short time living in California. He returned to Texas and settled in Houston and attended the University of Houston while working at River Oaks Drug Store where he met the love of his life, “Patty Rand”. They were quickly married and built a life together that lasted 59 years.
His professional career was spent as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative with Abbott Laboratories which lasted 35 years. Once retired he was able to return to his first love of being a cattleman, and spent his retirement, “playing with his cows” As well as, spending as much time as possible with Pat on the boat, simply riding or fishing Lake Conroe.
Rusty was an active member of the Oak Ridge North/South Montgomery County community during the areas developing years. He served on boards which include Lions Club, Water and YMCA as well as, coaching Peewee Football. But he always felt his most impactful position was during his two terms on the Conroe ISD School Board as a Trustee and President.
He is survived by his daughter Stacy Sledge McNeil of Houston, Texas, his daughter Shannon S. Tinley and husband Scott, their children Carson and Mason of Cypress, Texas. His granddaughter Erin Swearingen and husband Bryan, their three children Tara, Ty and Luke of Huntsville, Texas. Brother Dan Sledge and wife Mary Beth of Giddings, Texas. Aunt Iva Jones and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Rusty was preceded in death by both of his parents, Earl G. and Vera “Virginia” Sledge as well as his brother Ken Sledge and Ruth Nielson.
A memorial service will be held Monday, December 21, 2020 at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, Robb Chapel, 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, Texas at 11:00 am. The Chapel will be open at 10:30 for individual final farewells. In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions to www.autismspeaks.org. You are invited to view our webpage and leave tributes to the family at cashnerconroe.com.
