Dennis "Gus" Harold Gustin

Dennis "Gus" Gustin, 78, of Killeen, passed away on September 26, 2026 in Waco, Texas. Gus was born in Presque Isle, Maine on May 10, 1948, the first of four children born to Harrison and Reta Gustin, and the only boy.

He was a cheerful, loving, energetic, and mischievous little boy, who drew others to him like bees to honey. His mother, Mrs. Reta, once told me that he would go out in the yard to play, and there would be no one there but him. Five minutes later, there would be a yard full of kids. When he wanted a new bike, his dad suggested he earn the money for it by working at a job. He had a paper route. He worked part time at a service station. He mowed yards. He was also crazy about cowboys and wanted to be a cowboy when he grew up. He got his chance after his tour in Viet Nam, when he completed his military service here at Fort Hood, Texas. And he stayed. He became acquainted with several local ranchers in this area and worked for them, learning how to work cattle, ride horses and make a living. He also spent many years working in the mobile home business.

On September 30, 1990, he married Shirley (Beck) Lee. Just a little over 2 years later, he was involved in a terrible accident while doing a local welding job. A barrel exploded while he was using a cutting torch. Gus's legs were broken, knees injured, and he received numerous burns over his body. Over a period of time, he had 10 surgeries to repair the damage. The doctors told him he'd never walk again, but in a little over a year, he was back on his feet. But he suffered much pain from the injuries for the rest of his life. So thankful his life was spared. In July of 1999, we bought a few acres outside of town & finally had a home for the rest of our lives. It required a lot of work on Gus's part. He either borrowed or rented all the heavy equipment he could find and used it to push over all the cedar that covered the property. I was working at Fort Hood full time, so I couldn't do much until the weekends. We worked hard and made a home we were proud of.

Gus's youngest sister, Sandra, passed away in May of 2019, and he flew to CT for the funeral. It was in October of 2019 that I first noticed some signs of Dementia in Gus. I finally got him to the VA to see a doctor in Jan of 2020. Shortly after that, COVID hit, so he wasn't diagnosed until April, and didn't begin Medications until June. I'd had experience of Alzheimers/Dementia with my Dad, from 2001 until 2006, when he passed away. So I knew what to expect. The last 7 years, taking care of Gus, is best described by an old saying: These were the best of times and the worst of times. I'm so glad I was able to care for him at home as long as I could. He went to the Temple VA hospital in March of this year and was transferred to the Waco VA CLC in July of 2026. Shortly before being transferred his younger sister, Ambra, passed away suddenly in April.

He made many friends here on earth who will miss him very much.  If you loved him and counted him as your friend, you can bet that he thought the world of you also.  With his passing, to me it's kind of like the end of an Era.  He went after life with his whole heart.  When I got the call from Waco that he had passed, I thought I would surely die along with him.  I hope and pray there is a Cure in the works for Alzheimers and Dementia sufferers. And that the day will come when those who are afflicted with it, will be cured.