Douglas Wayne Rush
Of Melbourne, Arkansas

Douglas Wayne Rush, son of the late Coy Othel Rush and Odie Vest Rush, was born October 19, 1946 in Millcreek Township in Melbourne, Arkansas. He departed this life February 27, 2020 at his home in Melbourne, Arkansas at the age of 73 years, 4 months and 8 days. He was united in marriage to Carolyn Ann Mathis June 7, 1968 and together they raised two children. After graduating from University of Central Arkansas with a teaching degree, Doug went on to devote his life to education. He began his education career in Rose City, Arkansas teaching school. He went on to being employed by the State of Arkansas in Vocational Education. He was instrumental in bringing the first two year college, Ozarka College, to Melbourne. Doug served as President of Ozarka College from 1987 to 2005. During his tenure, Ozarka expanded the curriculum and became a satellite campus for Arkansas State University. Doug spent his life as a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, provider and friend.

He is survived by two children: Laura Sipe and husband Brad of Melbourne and David Rush and wife Misti of Ash Flat; one brother: Fred Rush and wife Karla of Sidney; four sisters: Virginia Barrow of Washington, Glenda Greenstreet and husband Tom of Melbourne, Sue Taylor of Melbourne and Geneva Lyle of Little Rock; four grandchildren: Jay Chaney, Jared Chaney, Rani Rush and Zak Rush; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and many good friends. Doug was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 47 years: Carolyn Rush; four brothers: Boyce "Mack" Rush, Ernest Rush, Vernon Rush, Gene Rush and two sisters: Erma Rhea Lawrence and one infant sister: Ada Rush.

Visitation and funeral service will be Sunday, March 1 at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne, Arkansas. Visitation will begin at 12:30. Funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Combs Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to: Combs Cemetery, C/O Sandra Smith,
187 Sand Hollow Road, Melbourne, Arkansas 72556.

Pallbearers: Zak Rush, Jay Chaney, Jared Chaney, Matt Rush, John Herida, Tommy Lyle.

Honorary Pallbearers: Franklin "Fuzzy" Rush, Jack Herida, Tom Greenstreet, Steve Miller, Joe Michael Russell.