Gale Eugene Rust

Gale Eugene Rust, age 78, of Roanoke, IN., passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026, at his residence.        

Gale was born on May 3,1948, in Fort Wayne, IN to the late Alton and Irene (Robison) Rust.

He married Martha A. Webster on June 22, 1974. They would have celebrated fifty-two years of marriage this month.

Gale was a 1966 graduate of Elmhurst High School and a 1970 graduate of Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in animal science. He worked as a herdsman and farm manager for Probst Farm, Fort Wayne, IN. and a truck mechanic and salesman for Hoosier Truck Equipment and Fort Wayne Fleet Equipment. After retiring, he delivered parts for NAPA.

Gale was a member of Emmanuel Community Church, Fort Wayne, IN., the Roanoke Lions Club, Roanoke Antique Power Tractor Club, the International Harvester Tractor Club, the Purdue Couple’s Club from 1970 to the present time, and the Suffolk Punch Horse Organization. He enjoyed woodworking in his spare time.

In addition to his wife, Martha, he is survived by a brother, James (Teresa) Rust, of Columbia City, IN; a sister Nancy (Rick) Bodeker, of Avilla, IN.; one grandson, Geoffrey Davis of Fort Wayne, IN., and his fiancé, Jessica Peck; a great-granddaughter, Emery Davis; and a step-great granddaughter, Elyana Peck. Gale is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Laura Webster Rust Davis, in 2018.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at McElhaney Funeral Home Roanoke Chapel, 240 Crestwood Drive, Roanoke, IN 46783.  Additional calling will be on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. with service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at The Branch – Emmanuel Community Church, 7227 Bittersweet Moors Drive in Fort Wayne, IN.46814.

Burial will be at Glenwood Cemetery, Roanoke, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Emmanuel Community Church or Solace Hospice Care, in care of McElhaney Funeral Home, 240 Crestwood Dr. in Roanoke, IN, 46783.

McElhaney Funeral Home-Roanoke Chapel, 240 Crestwood Drive, Roanoke, IN, is entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com  

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