W. Marvin Rush Rush Peterbilt

[goodmichael]

W. Marvin Rush of Seguin, TX passed peacefully on May 17, 2018, at the age of 79, but his charismatic persona, generous heart, passionate spirit, and leadership will not be forgotten. He was born on October 10, 1938, in Houston, Texas. He was the only son of the late William Maurice Rush and Gladys Knight “Ted” Rush who raised him with grit and grace and taught him that if you want to find success in life, you have to go out and get it.

Marvin was a math wizard and developed a fondness for business earlier than most. At 10 years old he took out his first loan to start a Coca-Cola vending machine business. After much success he was “bit by the business bug” and dove into multiple business endeavors, overcoming many challenges on his journey to achieve his professional goals. He believed that if you don’t set goals, you have nothing to reach for. His goals included become a General Motors dealer, own a bank, take a company public, and achieve over $1 billion in annual sales. He reached all of his goals and more! He founded Rush Enterprises in 1965 with a single GMC truck franchise in Houston, Texas, followed by his first Peterbilt franchise in 1966. The company grew into a multibillion dollar business as the largest commercial truck network in North America. In June 1996 the company became the first automotive dealership group to go public. Upon retirement from Rush Enterprises, Marvin remained active in his personal business acquisitions: TexStar National Bank, TrustStar Insurance Services, and Rush Chevrolet.

Though a man of many successes, he knew that without the good Lord and the good people in his life, nothing would be possible. His success came through the way he treated and helped others who, in turn, helped him reach his goals. He gave back time and treasures to the community as a top contributor to youth in agriculture at Texas livestock shows, served as Chairman of multiple boards, and supported Oakwood Baptist Church and many other local non-profit organizations. This is also evident in his own words, “I enjoy giving back because a lot of people have helped me. I recognize that I owe my success to them, not me. My point with all of this is that people need people. You have the opportunity every day to help other people, enhance their lives, and you know what, you’ll find out that you enhance yours in the process.”

Marvin lived life to the fullest and had many loves. He loved his wife of 26 years, Barbara Lea Rush. He adored and took pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Marvin loved his family and close friends unconditionally and treasured making lasting memories with them. He had a deep affection for his dogs and enjoyed horseback riding, hunting, traveling, making deals, doing “bidness”, and collecting cars. He had a penchant for what he called the finer things in life: fresh cracked pepper, hot jalapeño peppers, homemade apple pie, Blue Bell vanilla ice cream, and a good rare steak...to name a few.

Mentoring others and sharing his knowledge came through oft-used southern sayings or what his family called “Marvin-isms”: “A chicken ain’t nothing but a bird”, “Don’t take any wooden nickels”, “It’s a helluva rat that has only one hole to run to”, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch”, and many others much too “colorful” for print.

In his last few years, Marvin battled Lewy Body Dementia. As was the case his entire life, relationships and people remained the most important thing to him until the end. He never forgot his family, close friends, and the people who mattered most to him. He also had peace and joy in knowing Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Marvin passed peacefully at home in his wife’s loving embrace.

Marvin’s greatest legacy is his story, how he treated people and inspired people through his hard work, generosity, and mentorship. He was someone you could always depend on, always there to lend an ear, give tell-it-like-it-is advice, and offer timeless words of wisdom through his animated storytelling. He was a role model of integrity, generosity, respect, perseverance, determination, kindness, and good humor. May we continue to honor him by focusing on loving one another and striving in our own journeys to leave a legacy that will impact future generations to come.

Marvin is survived by his wife, Barbara; eight children, Rusty Rush and wife Jeni, Robin Rush and wife Nancy, Michael Rush and wife Kristin, Colleen Davis and husband Glenn, Tona van Heerden and husband Jacques, Parker Rush, Amy Heebner and husband Ken, and Lauren Sutton; one sister, Susan Peloquin and husband Mark; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Marvin will also be forever remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

We will celebrate his life at 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 31, 2018, at Oakwood Baptist Church, 2154 Loop 337, New Braunfels, TX. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Marvin Rush may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association. Gifts may be made securely online at www.lbda.org or sent by mail to the following address: 912 Killian Hill Road, S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047.  You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.