Retired Master Sgt. James Darnel Rush passed away at 11:56 p.m. on Friday
June 8, due to complications during his stay at Rapides Memorial Hospital. Ret. Master Sgt. Rush was born in the mountains of Wildersville, Tenn. to Maude and Covie Rush of Cherokee and Irish decent. In 1937 his family migrated to Missouri to farm
cotton. After graduating high school, James went to work for Caterpillar Diesel in Peoria, Ill. In 1952 Master Sgt. Rush was drafted into the U.S. army where he served for 21 years. Master Sgt. Rush was a highly decorated soldier serving in both
Vietnam and Korean conflicts and receiving many honors, including a bronze star.
After retiring from the military, Master Sgt. Rush worked at Fort Polk as a civil service employee until a medical retirement in 1982. James spent his
retirement doing what he and his wife Elsa of 48 years loved best, traveling in their RV and riding four-wheelers. James and Elsa took their RV to every state except Hawaii and would have if their camper would float.
Master Sgt. Rush is
proceeded in death by his mother, Maude Hunter Rush of Ken.; father, Covie Rush of Tenn.; brothers, JC Rush of Tenn., Max Rush; sister, Sue Okane of Mo. and daughter, Patricia Rush Alleman of Leesville.
He is survived by wife, Elsa Rush;
son and daughter-in-law, Harold and Pam Rush; son-in-law Richard Alleman; grandsons, Trent and Trey Rush of Leesville; brother, Bobby Rush of Ark.; and sister, Blanche Crafton of Mo.
Funeral services will be at Heritage Funeral Home,
Leesville. Visitation will be from 5-9 p.m.Tuesday, July 12. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday and burial will be at Holly Grove cemetery in Anacoco with Rev. Gary Bankson officiating.
Online condolences may be sent to the Rush family
at www.heritage-rowe.com.