Rusty Gene Kilgore, 68, born September 20, 1955, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on September 1, 2024 -after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Rusty was known for his unwavering hard work, infectious laughter, and steadfast dedication to his family.
He is preceded in death by parents, Norman and Lois Kilgore; brother, Rocky Kilgore; and sister, Pam Kilgore.
He is survived by his wife, Teresa, his four children; son, Brett Kilgore (Nicole); son, Tom Heumann (Brooke); daughter Lacey Miller (Andy); and son, Michael Flory (Kerstan) and his eight grandchildren, Kadance, Karlie, Dalton, Blake, Brelynn, Maddex, Callen, and Rhys. Rusty’s legacy lives on through his family, who will remember him for his constant drive to get work done.
Rusty was born in Huchinson, KS., the youngest of three children. Growing up in Hutchinson, Rusty worked in the family diner, peeling potatoes. During the summer of ’71, the family moved to Rose Hill where he graduated in 1973. Rusty stayed busy in Rose Hill farming, running a feed store, and car lot – all while working at Boeing.
Rusty married Teresa in 2001 and they moved to Wichita. They spent their time working at Boeing/Spirit and raising their 4 children. Although Rusty was stern at times, he had a method to his ways – he wanted his children to grow up to live a life of doing right. Rusty was extremely proud of his 4 children.
In addition to raising 4 great kids and being amazing grandparents, Rusty and Teresa did lot of traveling the last 24 years. Their adventures took them from Vegas to the Bahamas; Colorado to Atlantic City; California to Texas; however, their absolute favorite place was their lake house at Grand Lake – their peaceful haven for the past 6 years.
Rusty’s memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved him. His presence will be deeply missed but his impact will continue to inspire and uplift all who were fortunate enough to know him.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 6th, at 11am at the Valley Center Community Center, 314 E Clay, Valley Center KS, 67147. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations are made to Harry Hynes Hospice. https://www.hynesmemorial.org/ways-to-donate/#donate