JOHN M. RUSH, 76, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Wednesday afternoon, February 25, 2009 at his home.

Born on May 14, 1932 in Winfield, Kansas, he was the son of Morton Brewer and Jessie Mae (Wainscott) Rush. He was raised and received his education in Winfield and graduated from Winfield High School in 1952.

John was employed at the Winfield Fire Department as a fireman from July of 1950 to July of 1952. A veteran of the Korean War, Mr. Rush proudly served his country in the Unites States Marines as a Corporal. Following his honorable discharge on July 29, 1955, he returned to Winfield. He was employed at Fenama Dairy as a delivery driver.

He was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Biddle on September 23, 1955 in Winfield where the couple made their home. John worked for Lloyd Carry for a short time and then went into business with his brother-in-law, Lenoard, at Superior TV in Arkansas City, Kansas for 3 years. He was a pipe fitter and welder for 40 years with the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union #441. In the early 1980's, he started Rush Oil and Gas. After retiring, he enjoyed farming.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Winfield. He was a life long member of VFW #3544, and the Kansas National Guard from May of 1949 to August of 1950. He loved spending time with all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his friends at the Valley Coop and playing computer games. John's biggest prides and joys was his involvement in harness horse racing.

His family includes:
His wife: Shirley of the home;
His sons: Todd Rush of Winfield, KS; Greg Rush of Union Mills, IN: Aaron Rush and wife Vickie of Kingman, KS; and Marion Rush of Winfield, KS;
His daughters: Denise Smith of Winfield, KS; and Beth Ball and husband Todd of Rose Hill, KS;
His brothers: Eli Rush and wife Ramona of Winfield, KS;
His sister: Iris Biddle of Winfield, KS;
His 11 grandchildren: Sarah Long, Amy Chattam, Stefani Elliott, Andrea Smith, Bradley Smith, Sean Skov, Quentin Rush, Greg Rush, Jr., Cory Skov, Ben Rush and Hailie Rush;
His 18 great-grandchildren: Katelynn, Taylor, Rylee, Madison, Aubri, Peyton, Raigan, Maci, Sasha, Zaria, Hannah, Emma, Aden, Maya, Kira, Michael, Rebecca and Hudson; and
His nieces and nephews: Nathan Biddle, Mike Rush, Karen Rush and Lucia Balzer.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Morton Rush; his sister, Lucia Rush; his brother-in-law, Leonard Biddle; his brother, Wayne Rush.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, March 2, 2009 at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Military committal honors will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1:00 to 6:00 P.M., Sunday, March 1, 2009. The family will greet friends from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M., that afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in John's name be made to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.