Stephen H. Rust, veteran, DRBA retiree

Stephen H. Rust, 75, of Georgetown, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, after a difficult battle with Parkinson’s disease. Stephen was born at Milford Memorial Hospital Jan. 24, 1949, to parents Clifford E. and M. Amanda Rust.

He grew up on the family farm and enjoyed spending time helping his father. Steve graduated from Millsboro High School in 1967 and obtained a barber’s license. He then entered the Army in May of 1968.

Steve married his high school sweetheart, Cynthia L. Coverdale, Aug. 24, 1968, at Grace Methodist Church in Millsboro.

He then went on to serve in Vietnam from 1968-71. After returning home, he began working as a corrections officer in Georgetown.

Steve and Cindy welcomed their only child, Amy M. Rust, Dec. 27, 1975.

Steve then went on to become a park ranger working primarily at Trap Pond and Cape Henlopen State Park. Later, Steve joined the Delaware River and Bay Authority as a law enforcement officer. While there, he became a K-9 officer and instructor. He trained numerous officers and their K9s for service. After he retired from the Delaware River and Bay Authority, he began working at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery in Millsboro. He enjoyed helping families honor their loved ones.

After retirement, Steve enjoyed spending time with family and close friends, Dale and Faye Lingo. He enjoyed going on cruises, going to stock car races, reading, and spending time with his family and loyal dog, Abby.

His favorite pastime was spending time with his granddaughter, Amelia, and he proudly took on the title of Pop.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford E. and M. Amanda Rust; and his eldest brother, Gerald Rust.

He will be dearly missed and forever remembered by his wife, Cindy Rust; daughter, Amy (Rust) Pepper; son-in-law, Bill Pepper; granddaughter, Amelia Pepper; brother, Virgil Rust; sister, Linda Rust (Robert Hermanson); brother, David Rust; and many other friends and relatives.

Visitation will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 2, at Crossroad Community Church, Georgetown. A service will begin at 11 a.m., with a luncheon to follow. Interment will be private at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, parkinson.org.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.