Charles “Catfish” Rusher, 73, of Independence, MO, passed away Saturday, September 4, 2010 at North Care Hospice House. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 9, at Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO. The family will receive friends at Royer’s from 9:30-11:00 a.m. preceding the funeral. Burial will be 2:00 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the ALS Foundation-Keith Worthington Chapter, or North Care Hospice.

Charles was born on September 27, 1936 in Des Moines, IA, the son of Lester & Addie (Wade) Rusher. He was a Navy veteran of the Korean War. He married Mary L. Hunt on December 8, 1980. Charles was an employee of the Ford Motor Company for 48 years, retiring in 2007. He was a member of UAW Local #249 and the Paralyzed Veterans of America.  

Charles loved to fish and his favorite fishing spot was at Penguin Park Lake. He had coached Little League Baseball in the NKC League and Pop Warner Football. He loved all outdoor sports in general.

His survivors include his wife of 29 years: Mary Rusher of the home; five sons: Charles F. Rusher & wife Tracy of Boonville, MO, Gregory L. Rusher & wife Tena of Butler, MO, Richard Fowler & wife Kristi of Grain Valley, MO, Fredrick Pierce & wife Stephania of Blue Springs, MO, and Scott Pierce of Licking, MO; one daughter: Rebecca Clevenger of Braymer, MO; 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.