Robert Rushing Sr.

Rev. Robert E. Rushing, Sr., was known for his gracious nature and his heart for God. His love for people was evident in a multitude of ways, from the hours he spent counseling and encouraging to the simple greeting and sincere smile he so frequently shared. His sense of humor and genuine interest put others at ease and gave him the ability to talk to just about anyone. A dedicated husband and father, he considered himself a rich man, not in finances, but in his beautiful family.

Bob was born on April 21, 1927, in the small town of Energy in Southern Illinois, the only child of Robert and Irene (Poteete) Rushing. Bob learned about hard work and the value of family while growing up as the son of a coal miner in America's heartland during the Great Depression. Bob's father was a foreman at the mine and his mother worked as a clerk in a jewelry store. They were a close-knit family, and Robert and Irene provided Bob with a deep sense of community and an interest in the things of God through their consistent involvement in their church.

The Rushings were a musical family and often gathered around the piano at home, singing together while Irene played. They also sang in church, and sometimes Irene played the organ. Bob enjoyed expressing himself musically through his trombone playing and by singing enthusiastically whenever he had the chance. As a boy, Bob didn't care much for school, but he did enough work to get by and was mischievous enough to keep things interesting. He played basketball and enjoyed the camaraderie of being on a team.

Bob attended Carterville High School with a young lady named Mary Rudloff and soon found himself smitten by her strength of character and willingness to help others. He saw Mary from a distance one day and, pointing her out to his friends, declared, "I'm going to marry that girl some day." The two of them dated under her parents' supervision throughout high school, and then Bob graduated with the class of 1945. Graduation celebrations were doubly joyous that year with World War II coming to an end. Bob's prediction came true when he and his beloved Mary were wed in September of 1946.

Bob decided to join the Navy and served for two years. After his military discharge, he and Mary enrolled at Moody Bible Institute and both graduated in 1950, their young hearts eager to see what God had in store for them. They spent nearly sixty years seeking Him together, and considered themselves exceedingly blessed by the people God brought their way.

Bob's first pastoral positions were in the Chicago area, including the Claim Street Baptist Church in Aurora,IL, Calvary Baptist Church in Sterling, IL, and Prospect Heights Baptist Church in Prospect Heights, IL. The family then took a big step of faith in order to serve for a time at Calvary Baptist Church in La Puente, California.

They moved back to the Midwest to work at Moody Bible Institute and later to First Baptist Church of Plainwell, where they remained for many years. Bob and Mary were given two wonderful children, Miriam and Robert, Jr. Bob was loving and attentive, making time to be with them in spite of his demanding schedule. He wanted them to love God more than anything else, and he also wanted them to know how much he himself loved them. He made an effort to make special memories for them, like the times he let them drive through the desert on those long cross-country trips even though they weren't even teenagers yet.

The arrival of his grandchildren multiplied his love and brought a special twinkle to his eye as he cherished each one. He was looking forward to the arrival of his first great grandchild. In nature, Bob recognized the vastness and complexity of God's creation and he loved being a part of it.

Camping was a favorite activity, and he even water-skied when he was in his early 70s. He liked bicycling and was a talented gardener. He and Mary spent winters in Florida, enjoying the warm sunshine and time by the water. Bob's greatest desire was for people to know the Lord. He loved sharing the Word of God and sacrificed many things for the sake of his Savior. He didn't view any of it as sacrifice, however; he counted his forty-three years as a pastor and his opportunity to deliver over 6,000 messages as a privilege. He held senior staff positions in four churches, helping to lead two of them through extensive building programs.

Bob took part in every aspect of ministry, counseling those with a variety of needs, mentoring young ministers, serving in many associations and church projects, and conducting countless funerals and weddings. He had a sincere love for his people, his flock, and wished for their joy and growth in the Lord. Bob did not consider retirement as the end of his ministry, and in fact he served as the Pastor Emeritus of Watson Bible Church, continually seeking to help others and glorify God.

His love for people led him to work as a greeter at WalMart, a job that was well suited to his sincere personality and warm smile. His desire to please the Lord leaves a remarkable example for his loved ones and will continue to influence the generations to follow.

Bob died on Friday, May 27, 2005, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. Members of Bob's family include his wife, Mary, a daughter, Miriam (David) Janke of Plainwell, a son, Robert (Kathy) Rushing, Jr. of Hudsonville, and grandchildren, Alyssa and Austin Rushing, Heidi (Scott) Huizenga, and Megan Janke.

Learn more about Rev. Rushing, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends Monday, May 30, from 4-7 p.m. at the RDMG Life Story Funeral Home -Plainwell Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, at the First Baptist Church of Plainwell. Please visit Bob's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory, order flowers, or make a memorial donation to the Moody Bible Institute.