Earl "Rusty" Coons

Earl "Rusty" Coons, age 87, formerly of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Via Christi Village in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Rusty was born in Torrington, Wyoming on March 16, 1938, the son of Archie and Bertha (Sharp) Coons. He grew up in Scottsbluff, Nebraska until joining the Air Force in November 1957. Rusty married LoDemie See and two children were born to this union, Caralie Mae and LeRoy Lynn. They were later divorced in 1975. During this union, Dee, as she was called, helped him in their various businesses; Rus Dee's Roller Rink, The Other Place and Rusty's Ding-A-Ling Company (Ice cream delivery around Havre, Montana). Due to owning a roller rink, teaching and coaching skating, Rusty was considered a professional roller skater. He was a silver medalist in Dance and Figure skating.

He spent seven years in the Air Force after two years in the Army National Guard while in high school. He acquired about a year of college while in the Air Force, attending San Francisco State and Southern Colorado College. When he got out in October 1964, he attended Western Nebraska Community College, University of Wyoming, and finally Northern Montana College, where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree with 15 hours needed to get his Master's Degree in Psychology. Dee worked full time and Rusty part time while in college, which was a ten year span. Rusty loved to work and began at Montgomery Ward when he became 16. No part time in those days, so he managed to work 40 hours a week and still ran track and graduated. After the Air Force and three years of college, he became the manager at Montgomery Ward. Although he worked at many jobs, many two at a time, he always came back to store management. He arrived in Garnett as part of the management team to open Alco in 1997, where he retired.

In May 1988, Rusty married Glenda Elaine Nichols, who passed away in 2010. After retiring in Garnett in 1998, Rusty still had part-time jobs, like teaching GED and English as a second language for Neosho County Community College for eight years. Most days, you could see Rusty and Glenda with Foxy, walking around town or on the Prairie Spirit Trail, from Scipio to Welda KS. In 1998 alone, they logged 400 miles on the trail.

Rusty was always busy and was in Toastmasters, JayCees, Kiwanis, Optimist and most importantly spent many years on the board of directors for ECKAN; was voted twice as Chairman. In each of the other organizations, he rose to President and one wall was dedicated to his plaques of achievements. Like one of three Volunteer of the Year from the State of Kansas and Volunteer of the Year for ECKAN in 2010. He was active in church since the third grade and loved his Lord. He was an officer and worked hard in all churches he attended as an adult. In Garnett, he attended the Assembly of God and First Christian Church after Glenda died.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wives, Dee and Glenda.

Rusty is survived by a daughter, Caralie; son, LeRoy Coons and wife Su Hong; four granddaughters, 7 great grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be announced later. Memorials are suggested to the Epilepsy Foundation and can be left in the care of the funeral home. Condolences for the family can be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.