Henry Rusk

Henry Floyd Rusk, 90, a resident of Baton Rouge, was called to his heavenly home on Saturday, August 20, 2022 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s.

Born to Ruby and Thomas Rusk, Henry was raised in Simmesport, LA along with his five siblings. He attended Simmesport High School where he met, and later married, his high school sweetheart, Bettie Oldham; they were married for 62 years. Henry joined the U.S. Navy at age 19 and served in the Korean Conflict. He returned home to earn a BA degree in Education from Northeast Louisiana State University. He later received a MA degree in Education from LSU. Henry was a long-time teacher and principal in the EBR Parish School System where he was loved by his students and respected by his colleagues.

Henry is survived by two children, a daughter, Candy Jones (Tracy) and son, Danny Rusk; a son-in-law, Kenny McElwee, and a daughter-in-law, Lynn Rusk Broussard; seven grandchildren, Kellie Petty, Kristie Lee, Chris Jones (Tara Grace), Ashley Montagnino (Brandon), Jason Seymour, Brandon Rusk, and Nicholas Rusk; ten great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; brother, Elton Rusk; and a sister Marie Gross (Jim).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bettie; daughter, Susan McElwee, son, Mike, great grandchild, Heather Weber, and three siblings.

Henry was devoted to his family. He was generous, always kind to others, and had a gentle spirit. He loved the Lord, his family, church, and friends. He enjoyed reading, fishing, and jogging in his younger years. Most recently he enjoyed spending time with his great grandchildren and his siblings.

Pallbearers will be Jim Gross, Tracy Jones, Christopher Jones, Charles Moniotte, Brandon Montagnino, and John Nelson. Elton Rusk will be an honorary pallbearer.

The family wishes to thank the staff of The Pearl at Jamestown and Clarity Hospice who cared for Henry on a regular basis. A special thanks goes to Raechel Stanley, his dear friend and caregiver who loved and cared for him as a father.

Funeral services for Henry will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home on Friday, September 2, 2022. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. followed by the service at 11:00 and burial afterward.