BROWDER – Rick Rust, 68, of Browder, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2023. He was born on August 10, 1955 in Russellville, Kentucky, to the late Elvy Ray and Thelma Rust. As old legend would have it, he came into this world holding a pouch of tomato seeds, five Yahtzee dice and a chisel and let out a big infectious laugh instead of a baby’s cry, but no one will ever know the truth.

While perfecting his quick wit, mischievous smile and that bellowing laughter that would carry itself down a mile-long hallway, Rick would eventually graduate from Chandler’s Chapel High School in 1973. In 1980, he married his best friend, Jodi Olson Rust.

Rick was a man of many passions, including his faith, family and a collection of interesting hobbies. Throughout his life, he continued to hone his green thumb and took pride in cultivating vegetable garden after vegetable garden that always showcased his world-renowned tomatoes.  He was an exceptionally gifted woodworker, too.  And that bellowing laugh got louder and more infectious with each decade that passed.

Rick’s competitive nature was ever present, and he will always be remembered for refusing to take mercy on any opponent during any game he played, including but certainly not limited to Yahtzee, Rummy, Monopoly and Risk. Victories against Rick were hard fought and never easy.  If you won, you knew it was truly deserved. And if you thought he was competitive in card and board games, you could not imagine the tenacity he demonstrated heckling his sons’ friends in their Fantasy Football league and cheering on his beloved UK Wildcats.

Rick was not only a man of many passions, but he was also a man of many loves, which included his wife, Jodi, his children (Jerrod, Aaron and Jason), his grandchildren (Peyton, Janzen, Alex, Rett and Jack), his siblings and his friends. He loved life, and he loved to laugh. His sense of humor was as witty as it was sharp. He was the type of man who could get along with anyone, making them feel at home and willing to help them at a moment’s notice.

Rick’s visitation services will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023, from 9:00 – 11:00am at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City, Kentucky.  His visitation will be followed by a memorial service beginning at 11:00am.

Rick aka Ricky will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He will live on in our hearts and memories forever.