Rusty Lee O’Connor, 59, of Mexico, passed away on Thursday, March 4, 2021, at Harry S. Truman Veterans Hospital in Columbia.
A memorial service with full military honors will be held at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 12.
Visitation will be on Thursday, March 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Arnold Funeral Home.
Mr. O’Connor was born on May 25, 1961 in Mexico, the son of William and Darlene O’Connor.
Rusty was a sports fan. He enjoyed participating in bowling, horseshoes and softball. He was also a fan of wrestling and the St. Louis Cardinals. He would spend leisure time playing card and dice games as well as fishing. Rusty spent part of his years of military service in Germany as an Army cavalry scout. Rusty was previously married to Brenda Stone for 33 years. Spending time with his grandchildren and his dog Lucy were special moments. He also enjoyed family gatherings, barbecuing and playing horseshoes.
Survivors include two daughters, Mary Beth (Michael) Ferguson of Mexico and Crystal Lanphier of Mexico; one son, Jonathan O’Connor of Mexico; three brothers, Eddie (Vickie) O’Connor of Silverton, Ore., Nathan (Gina) O’Connor of Rock Springs and Cecil O’Connor of Farmington; three sisters, Vicky Snyder of Bowling Green, Becky (Dennis) Paddock of Mexico and Glenda (Robert) Chambers of Mexico; six grandchildren, Tanner O’Connor, Trenton O’Connor, Cullen Ferguson, Caleb Ferguson, Madilynn Ferguson and Evelyn Lanphier; one special cousin, Gene O’Connor and one special friend, Susie Gorham.
Rusty was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Mabel Ruth O’Connor and one brother, Joe Bill O’Connor.
The family requests memorial donations be made to Harry S. Truman Veterans Hospital or the American Cancer Society. Memorials may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com.
