Obituary of Russell Deckard

Heltonville Russell Rusty Deckard, 45, of 2592 Ramsey Ridge Road, Heltonville, IN, passed away at 9:33 am on Monday, March 23, 2009 at Bloomington Hospital. Born June 1, 1963, he was the son of Harold and Edna Dolly Deckard. Rusty was born with the rare disease, Prader-Willi, of which not much is known even today. Rusty was the unofficial mayor of Ramsey Ridge Road. He couldnt get out much, anymore, but he still phoned to check on his neighbors. Rusty had a great love in his heart for God and for other people. He never met a stranger; they were just someone he hadnt gotten to know yet. Once he met you he would never forget you and would probably tell you I love you. Rusty attended LARC for almost twenty-five years. He was a special Olympian with six medals. He was a volunteer at the SICIL office where he folded mailers. For several years, you could find him in the village at Spring Mill State Park where he volunteered. Often he was in the distillery making his walking sticks and if he wasnt there he might have been found marching with his Civil War unit to raise or lower the flag. Rusty loved Civil War history and could quote lots of facts about President Lincoln. At one time, Rusty was a junior Boy Scout leader for the Heltonville Troop. He was an honorary member of the Pleasant Run Senior Citizens. He volunteered each year at the annual Heltonville Community Thanksgiving dinner. Rusty was a member of the Life Mission Ministries and went with them on several trips to the Appalachian Mountains. Rustys favorite job was being Santas Head Elf. He got to pass out treats to the children after they visited with Santa at the Christmas Parade. He also helped Santa and Mrs. Claus collect and distribute toys and coats each year to needy families. Rusty loved fishing, NASCAR, antique tractors, 18-wheelers and sitting around making music with his brothers, nephews and cousins at family gatherings. Rusty loved music and liked to stand up and sing at church. However, Rustys greatest love was his dog. A big Golden Retriever named Ranger. Rusty would argue with you that his dog was really his baby brother. Rusty dreamed of someday going to Ireland with his sister and younger brother but only if we would take a bus. Rusty was a gentle giant, a big man with an even bigger heart. Survivors include his parents of Heltonville; two sisters, Rita Irwin and husband, Danny of Bedford and Melanie Deckard of Heltonville; two brothers, Robert Deckard and wife, Nancy of Bloomington, William Deckard and wife, Janet of Bedford; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. Funeral Information Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Friday, March 27th from the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with Pastor Michael Nicholson and Pastor Randy Corbin officiating. Burial will follow in Gilgal Cemetery. Friends may call from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, March 26th at the Day & Carter Mortuary. View Video Tribute