Charles Russell "Rusty" Belz

Charles Russell “Rusty” Belz was born on March 30, 1956, in San Antonio, Texas, to Janis Annette Hohner and Charles Herman Belz. He passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, at the age of 69, in his beloved hometown.

Rusty grew up in San Antonio and graduated from Sam Houston High School. Soon after, he eagerly enlisted in the United States Navy, driven by a deep respect for his country and those who serve. During his naval service, Rusty worked in the engine room aboard the USS Arthur W. Radford, traveling to U.S. military bases throughout the Caribbean and Europe. After his honorable discharge, he returned home and continued to serve his country as a member of the Navy Reserve for several years.

It was in San Antonio that Rusty met his wife, Janet De La O. They married and spent their lives side by side, partners in every sense, sharing a love of travel, good food, laughter, and each other’s company.

Together, Rusty and Janet built a career in the auction industry, working for two different companies and traveling across the country. Janet was drawn to the classic car side, while Rusty gravitated toward the rugged world of oil and gas auctions. Their work took them on countless adventures and left them with a lifetime of stories, photographs, and memories.

Rusty also followed his lifelong passion for cooking, founding Rusty B’s BBQ, a catering business known throughout the San Antonio area. His tender and delicious brisket became legendary. His easygoing humor and warm spirit made him a beloved fixture at local events, especially the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo, where he took great pride in serving the community he loved.

Rusty was rarely seen without his cherished veteran’s ball cap, which he wore as a quiet testament to his pride in service. Friends and family will remember him as a proud veteran, a true Texan, and a devoted husband.

Rusty is survived by his sister, Rhonda Fogle, and her husband, Mark; his nieces and nephews, Jade, Greer, Tucker, and Keil Fogle; his uncle, William “Bill” Hohner, and his wife, Linda; his aunt, Joan Lage; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet De La O-Belz; his mother, Janis Hohner Lane; his father, Charles Herman Belz; his sister, Brenda Gaye Belz; and his uncle, Jerry Lage.

A memorial service honoring Rusty’s life will be held on Saturday, November 8, at 11 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, TX.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Liver Foundation (online at liverfoundation.org or by mail to American Liver Foundation, PO Box 299, West Orange, NJ 07052) or to Bluu’s Cluu’s Texas Street Rescue (online at bluuscluustexasstreetrescue.org or by mail to Bluu’s Cluu’s Texas Street Rescue Corporation, 14207 Estuary Pl, San Antonio, TX 78223-2397).