Jerry D. Rusher

Jerry Dean Rusher was born November 13, 1939, in Mt. Shasta, California. He was the son of Otis Floyd and Waunita (Swagger) Rusher. Jerry was raised and received his education in Tulsa, Oklahoma and later graduated from Central High School in 1957. Jerry furthered his education at the University of Tulsa and received a degree in geology. Jerry later accepted employment with a trucking company owned by the Mullin Family where he worked for several years. On November 25, 1964, Jerry was united in marriage to Barbara Jane Wolfe in Tulsa, Oklahoma and to that union there was one son Scott Alan. After their marriage the couple established their home in Tulsa and Jerry began working at Telex Corp. Jerry and Barbara later moved their family to Casper, Wyoming for a short period of time before moving to Wichita, Kansas. Jerry and Barbara then returned to Tulsa in the early 1970ís where he accepted employment with Southland Energy. Jerry was later coaxed to move to Cleveland by his and Barbaraís friends Jack and Deanna Lemmons and while residing in Cleveland Jerry became the superintendent of production for this area. Jerry was soon promoted to vice president of Southland Energy. The company moved the corporate offices to Tulsa and Jerry moved his family once again to Jenks, Oklahoma in 1981. On August 8, 1984, Jerry was faced with the loss of his wife Barbara. During the time living in Jenks, Jerry and Barbara became good friends with their neighbors Dennis and Vicky Steely. Following the death of Barbara, Jerry was introduced to Glenna Sue (Anglin) Bacon through Dennis and Vicky and later united in marriage on May 2, 1985, in Tulsa. Jerry worked a short time for Russell Energy before returning to Cleveland with his new family and gaining employment with his good friend Charlie Dell at D & D Lease Service. Jerry later started working for Lamamco Drilling in 1987. Jerry worked as the company production superintendent and helped turn the company with its owners and operators Gary Lewis, Stan Miller and Jim Miller into the one of the largest independent oil producing companies. He often referred to them as one of his greatest influences in life. The company later sold its Mid-Continent operations to Linn Energy, LLC a publicly traded company in 2008. Jerry was asked to remain with the company due to his knowledge and ability as well as one of the most sought after oil field strategist and consultant. Jerry has been currently employed with Linn Energy for the past five years. Jerry had many things in life he enjoyed to do. Most of the things often revolved around his family and fast cars. During his younger years Jerry was a member of the Corvette Club and loved drag racing as well as fast boats. He recently would often talk about going fishing but never quite found the time. Jerry loved going to amusement parks and riding roller coasters and taking trips to the Little Sahara with his family and friends. Later on in life Jerry was introduced to sand rails by his good friend Tom Middlebrook. The two of them built many buggies that many only dreamed about. They were always known as the team to try to beat and were also members of the Sports Buggies of Tulsa. He and Glenna loved to travel and have visited many places including Hawaii, Disneyland and many other surrounding states. They would also go to Branson on numerous occasions throughout the year. Jerry loved getting his family together at all of the holidays including Thanksgiving, Fourth of July and Christmas which always included reading of the Christmas Story of his Saviour Jesus Christ. Most of all in life Jerry was a firm believer in his Lord and Saviour. He was an active part of the First Assembly of God Church where he has been a member for the last 28 years. Jerry was also a former member of the Central Assembly of God, Woodlake Assembly of God in Tulsa as well a First Baptist Church in Cleveland. Jerry has served on many boards and education committees and they include: Executive Board Member of the First Assembly of God, Executive Board of World View, Inc., Director of Education at the First Assembly of God to name a few. Jerry went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 73 years five months and eleven days. Survivors are his loving wife Glenna of the home, mother Waunita Rusher of Catoosa, Oklahoma, four children Scott Rusher and his wife Whitney of Cleveland, Oklahoma, John Bacon and his wife Amy of Allen, Texas, David Bacon of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Melinda Bacon of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; siblings Donna Looney and her husband Bill of Castle Rock, Colorado, Aaron Rusher of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Roger Rusher and his wife Marylyn of Catoosa, Oklahoma; twelve grandchildren Collin, Logan, Ashton, Grant, Hannah, Hunter, Hailee, Levi, Makensie, Macie, Bailee, Emilee and a host of other relatives and friends that will mourn his passing. Jerry was preceded in death by his father Otis Rusher and first wife Barbara. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary of the First Assembly of God Church in Cleveland, Oklahoma with Rev. Dan Edens and Rev. David Baker officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are to made in memory of Jerry to the First Assembly of God Church: 508 West Miami, Cleveland, Oklahoma 74020 or to the World View, Inc: P.O. Box 2151 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74101.