Dr. John McNeil Rust was born in Shreveport, LA, on January 14, 1927.  John passed away peacefully on November 14, 2019.

He was preceded in death by parents, Harris Rust and Clara Taylor Rust; two brothers, Dr. Ray Rust of Garland, TX, and Vernon Rust, deceased as a result of heroic service in the Korean War; and by son, Mark Rust.

He is survived by three children: Carol McClure, and husband, Pat; Vernon; and Kenneth and wife, Brooke; eight grandchildren: Melissa, Taylor, Daniel, Sydney, Rachel, Renee, Caroline, and Julianne; great granddaughter, Lucille; and by special family of Dr. Anthony and Judy LoBue.

John finished grade school at Summer Grove and high school at Byrd High School.  John finished high school early to join the Maritime Service in 1944, attaining the rank of Warrant Officer and distinguished himself at 18 years old as the sole communications officer on merchant ships.  He served in the Army as 1st Lt. Artillery during the 3 years of the Korean War, after which he studied Veterinary Medicine at Oklahoma State University.  Upon graduation in 1958, he returned home and established Summer Grove Animal Hospital, which expanded to Towne South Animal Hospital.  He built and operated the first large animal outpatient facility in the area.  During his career, he served LSU Medical School and the VA Medical Hospital as a consultant.  For three and a half years, he served as Director of Animal Resources at LSU Medical School.  John was active in the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association, serving as President in 1967.  He was proud to be voted by his peers as Veterinarian of the Year in 2004.  He was diligent and took a leading role in State and Federal efforts to eradicate tuberculosis and Brucellosis in cattle.  He was interested in agriculture and, with an associate, brought the first large package hay balers to the area from Vermeer Mfg.  John affiliated with churches wherever he and his family lived.  He was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church until relocating to southern Louisiana.  He particularly enjoyed the church’s men’s prayer breakfast and the joy of his Sunday School class.  

From an early age, John loved horses and associated activities.  He had wagons and surreys, driving single or in pairs, until he was in his eighties.  He continued to ride after he sold his wagons.

Dr. Rust was thankful for the opportunity to serve in his church, the Vet (military or veterinarian?) community and the Ag Industry.

John owes special thanks to his cousin, Elaine Talbert, for her kindness and mentoring in his waning years.

Dr. Rust’s family would like to thank the caring staff of the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home in Jennings, LA, and LAMM Family Care Hospice for their friendship and loving care.