05/01/2008

Vernon James "Butch" Rush

April 30, 2008

OFDA received word this morning that member Vernon James "Butch" Rush, 62, of Clarington, Ohio died Wednesday April 30, 2008 at home. He was born October 5, 1945 in New Martinsville, WV the son of the late Vernon B. "Bunny" and Sophie C. Lengacher Rush.

He graduated in 1963 from River High School, Hannibal, OH; attended Marietta College, Marietta, OH; Parsons College, Fairfield, Iowa; and graduated from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, Pittsburgh, PA as a licensed funeral director and embalmer. He studied at the Pittsburgh School of Medicine, specializing in Eye Enucleation. He was the President, owner and director of the Rush Funeral Homes, Inc. of Clarington and Sardis, OH from the time of his graduation from mortuary school in 1968 until his retirement in 2002. He served on the Board of Directors of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science as Treasurer since 1990, and President of the Colony IV Homeowner's Association of Surfside Beach, SC since 2006.

During his life-time of service to the communities where he lived and managed his career as a funeral director, he also helped coordinate and train the original EMS team for the Village of Clarington and provided financial support as the transition from private ambulance service to volunteer support began in the early 1970's; and was always supportive of the Clarington Volunteer Fire Department.

He was a Platinum Member of the River High School Alumni Association, was named to the Alumni Hall of Fame at the 2007 Alumni Association Banquet; and was recognized by the State of Ohio House of Representatives and the US Congress for his outstanding lifetime service to his community.

Butch was an avid collector of antique funeral cars and a member of the Professional Car Society of Western Pennsylvania; he also enjoyed traveling and boating.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Timothy A. Rush on July 26, 2004. Survivors include his wife Barbara L. Dierkes Rush, who he married on August 3, 1968; his mother and father-in-law, Walter F. and June Peabody Dierkes; a sister and brother-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. Donald H. (Mary Alice) Reid; sister-in-law, Marcia Cochran; brother-in-law, Mark Dierkes; nieces, Mrs. Brent (Joan Reid) Lutz, Alicia Cochran and Brittany Cochran; nephews, Douglas C. Reid and Cody Dierkes; several cousins; and many friends.

Family will receive friends on Sunday, May 4, 2008 from 12:00-3:00 and 7:00-9:00 PM; with Masonic services at 6:30 PM and visitation Monday, May 5 from 11:00 AM until time of funeral service at 1:00 PM at Grisell Funeral Home, 125 Clarinda Drive, Clarington. Interment in Clarington Cemetery, Clarington.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be given to either the Tim Rush Memorial Mr. River Award, c/o First National Bank of Powhatan, PO Box 147, Powhatan Point, OH 43942 or Immanuel United Church of Christ Memorial Fund, 124 Shepherd Drive, Clarington, OH 43915.