Rusty Whitman
October 30, 1954 ~ September 19, 2019
Rusty Whitman, 64, passed away suddenly September 19, 2019. Rusty was born October 30, 1954, in Indianapolis to the late Frank Whitman and Ruth (Northrup) Whitman.
He graduated from Martinsville High School and worked for 30 years as a respiratory therapy aid at Methodist Hospital. Most recently, he was employed for 5 years at the IU Dental School. A strong Christian, Rusty was a member of Springhill Christian Center for more than 40 years and led the nursing home ministry, preaching every Tuesday night at Miller’s Merry Manor. He enjoyed golfing and loved to travel. Rusty was known for his signature arrival time of about 15 minutes late, telling some of the very best and the very worst jokes he could remember, and his fun and jovial personality. Above all, he will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, and adoring grandpa.
In addition to his parents, Rusty was preceded in death by his step-father, Ralph Lohman; brother, Frankie Whitman.
Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Linda (Shepherd) Whitman; sons, William (Michelle) of Martinsville, Matthew (Maci) of Mooresville, and Daniel (Sara) of Mooresville; brother, Dick (Doris) Whitman of Michigan; sister, Marsha (Jerry) Lingle of Noblesville; sister-in-law, Jan Meldrum (Phil) of Greenwood; grandchildren, Ethan, Isaiah, Mercy, Madi, Molli, Mia, and Alexander.
Friends and family will gather to celebrate the life and home going of Rusty Whitman on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, 2 to 6 p.m., at Springhill Christian Center, 12150 N. Rooker Road, Mooresville. The funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. The burial and committal service will be on Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m., in White Lick Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Speed the Light or Missions at Springhill Christian Center. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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I remember Rusty at Ozark Bible Institute. So sorry to hear of his death. My prayers to Linda and the other family members.
Sometimes you don’t recognize the impact someone can have on your life, especially when it comes during childhood. Though I’m certain many aspects of my journey he would not have approved of, he would have never said anything negative and instead would have offered encouragement and probably a joke. RIP Rusty, you sweet, kind hearted fun loving man. I’ll never forget you.
Rusty was always part of our family. We went to church together as youngsters. We won King & Queen at Youth at church one year. We each collected the most money and that is how we won. He was quite the character. We loved him very much.
Rusty was such a great guy We loved him so much I have known him and Linda since they where teenagers lots of wonderful memories of him we are going to miss him so much but we know he is with Jesus now go rest high Rusty in Heaven until we see u again I will never forget u
Not sure where to start. From meeting each other as freshmen in high school and thru the next 50 years. Rusty and I started out as neighbors and he was the best man at our wedding. Many nights that Susie and I played cards with Rusty and Linda, 45s on the stereo, just lots of memories. You’ll definitely be missed Rusty.
Rusty cared so much about family and Jesus first, then the folks at the nursing and retirement homes. He was a faithful man of the Word and loved to sing the good old gospel songs straight from the heart. And Rusty encouraged and blessed me with his kind heart, allowing me to share ministry with his dear older friends. Linda and Rusty’s children are a wonderful family. Keep them in your prayers.
Linda & family my heart and thoughts are with you, I just found out today ! Rusty always greeted me with a smile and a warm Hello ,he was a kind loving man whom will be deeply missed !! Prayers n much love! Linda ,Garret n Erica and I will always keep you in our Hearts! Oxo
He was a precious man of GOD,i have know him for 40 yrs,we went to the same church for many yrs and a part of our family,i loved his smile,he always lifted you up,he will be forever missed,HEAVEN. Gained an angel
We’re so very sorry to hear that Rusty passed away. Our prayers are with his family and church family. He was a great man.
Prayers and deepest sympathy for the family. A person could never be sad when around Rusty, he always showed how much he loved and cared for others. Truly a loss to all that knew him. ߘ¢ Truly in the arms of his Savior
Rusty was so nice to Ky and me. Every time I was hospitalized he came out of his way to visit and make sure I was doing okay and make sure if we needed anything one of them would get it for us. He was a great man from a great family. Heaven will be honored to have another Angel. Anne and Ky Wheeler
God guy who loved God and his family. I know all the nursing home people will also miss him. It was a ministry very dear to his heart. Honored to call him family. Love and prayers to Linda and and all the rest of the family.
Two words: bacon Kleenex. He was one of a kind.
I am totally shocked..He was a great friend in Bible school
Rusty touched my heart the 1st time I meet him when he strolled into Miller’s like he owned the place and talked to me like we’d known each other our entire life. How many times he’s prayed with and for me…. How I will miss him.
Feels so weird that he is gone. Just a couple of weeks ago he was at my home visiting. I was looking for my broom but could not find it. He quickly asked me how I was going to get to work on Monday. I guess I will get to keep the one he loaned me! What an awesome guy. He really will be missed.
Randy and Linda babysat my children when they were young as they did for many, many more. They were always there when I needed them. I met them at church so many years ago and they graciously agreed to be my children’s caregivers. I never had to be concerned for their well-being especially being a single mom. They attended my wedding in 1997 with encouraging words and being great examples of what marriage should be like. I’m sad to hear of his passing but I know he’s home with Jesus. Linda and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you in the days and years ahead. Love you, Leslie Frazier Mitchell.
Rusty was a young man when I met him in 1975. He would play the tambourine during song service at the Assembly of God Church in Mooresville. He began dating his future wife Linda Shepherd about that same time. A few years later Rusty and Linda bought the house next door to us, they have been wonderful Christian neighbors ever since. He will be dearly missed.
It doesn’t seem right that he’s gone I’m praying for his family. He was an amazing man that believed in the Lord and many times taught me about the Lord. My words can’t say how sad and I am to see this. He was an encourager too many people including myself I thank God forgiving us the time we had with him. I miss going to church at SpringHill and seeing him he always lit up the room with a smile
He was one of my biggest influences. Still don’t know if that’s a blessing or if everyone should be scared. He will be missed dearly.
I’m so thankful for Fathers, and Grandfathers who live their lives as examples of Christ to their children and grandchildren and everyone they meet thank you Lord for Rusty Whitman, who lived his life to help and encourage others to know Christ, we will all see Rusty in heaven someday. I am praying for Linda, William, Matt, Daniel, and ALL the grandkids, Love you — The Bible does not give a large number of details concerning what happens right after we die. First, believers will be taken into the presence of Christ in heaven. (Acts 1:2; 3:21; 1 Thes 1:10; 4:16; 2 Thes 1:7)
The video below is awesome
I bowed on my knees and cried holy
https://youtu.be/NQSq9nTq7X0
A great man, I was his Supervisor at the Dental School . We always talked about God, his wife and his children. We looked at pictures he had. A man of integrity, honesty. He was opinionated but respectful. My prayers are with the family God Bless you all Christina Freeman
My heart was broken when my mom called to tell me the news of his passing. Uncle Rusty was so special to me. There are no words to describe his love and devotion to his family. When my father was sick, he was the one person who was faithful about coming to see him… whether it be by his hospital bedside (during his breaks, lunch, or even after a long days shift) or making the drive out to my parents home. It was never an inconvenience to him to spend time being with my dad and our family. Rusty made sure my dad knew he was there and would continue to be there for him no matter what. My favorite memories that come to mind… there are many. When I was a little girl, he ALWAYS took time to play with me when I visited and was a kid himself at heart (and that laugh…)! I also will never ever forget the time he dressed up as Santa Claus and came to my parents house to see my son, nephew, and nieces. His love was unending and unconditional, and I will miss him dearly. He hugged me just like my daddy always did and reminded me so much of him. Thank you Lord for allowing Rusty to be part of our lives… he will be truly missed.
Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing this awesome tribute to Rusty.
I met Rusty at OBI in 1976 . We were close friends. He loved his church in Mooresville. I choose to go to eastern europe. Our roads led us in different paths . Now Rusty’s journey in this life has ended . In this earth we weep but heaven is rejoicing. May the Lord give his peace and comfort to Linda and the family. Until we meet again for that great reunion with all the saints.