RANDY GUSTUS
1968-2022 On Wednesday, September 28, 2022, Randy Scott Gustus, loving son, brother, and friend, unexpectedly passed away at the age of 54.
Randy was born on June 13, 1968, in Lafayette, Indiana, where he lived with his family until he moved to Sealy, Texas, in 1975. He eventually moved to Rock Island, Texas, in 1996, where he resided until his death.
Randy spent most his time surrounded by friends and family and his horse, Buck, his best friend and most faithful companion. He enjoyed spending his time trail riding with friends. He also played a mean game of pool, which usually began with the phrase, “Bet I can kick your *** in a game of pool.” He would happily sit and play dominoes for hours on end, and the challenge to beat you in a game of dominoes would often start the same as the challenge to play a game of pool.
He was often affectionately referred to as “Tiger Woods,” a phrase he coined back in the 90’s for anyone who had just done something he found to be rather extraordinary. Randy’s other term of endearment for his favorite people and loved ones was “Grasshopper.” You knew if he called you that, he’d probably do just about anything in the world for you. He was a very proud uncle who was well known for spending hours upon hours in the yard playing ball with his beloved nephew, Levi, and niece, Bailey, who lived just across the street from him. Randy loved good music and was well-known to carry his radio along with him on any job. He was a very talented carpenter and painter, and probably one of the best drywallers around. He had a good and loving heart and was always kind and funny and fun to be around. He loved a good time, great party, and to be surrounded by his family and friends.
Randy was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Jane Knowles Stokley; his father, Charles “Charlie” Robert Gustus; his sister, Valerie Ann Crane; and nephews, Marshall Lucas Neelley and Preston Timothy Kutach. He is survived by his step-mother, Sandra Travis Gustus, of Sealy, Texas; brothers, Rodney Alan Gustus and wife, Bobbie, of Columbus, Texas, and Gregory Todd Gustus and wife, Christina, of Winder, Georgia; and brother-in-law, Walter Dutcher, of Eagle Lake, Texas; sisters, Brenda Kay Keller, of Rock Island, Texas, Deborah Lynn Crane Morris, of Graham, Texas, Jill Ann Gustus Doyle and partner, Don Barclay, of Atlanta, Georgia, and step-sister, Rikki Leigh Vacek and husband, Darren, of Bellville, Texas; nephews, Todd Reznicek, Matthew Lawrence Neelley, Dylan McQuade Vandegarde, Jordan Wesley Kutach, and Levi Gustus; nieces, Dakota Michelle Vandegarde, Skylar Dawn Morris, Sierra Rayne Morris, Shiann Rose Morris, and Bailey Rae Gustus; and great-nieces Ashlin Skyy Reznicek and Zoey Lynne Harney Kutach.
The funeral service will be held at Henneke Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 5, at 4 p.m. Visitation will be held at Henneke Funeral Home from 3 to 4 p.m. There will be a gathering of family and friends at the Rock Island Community Center immediately following the service.
Memorials may be given to Rock Island Full Gospel Church, P.O. Box 232, Rock Island, Texas, 77470, or to Rock Island Volunteer Fire Department, P. O. Box 124, Rock Island, Texas, 77470.
Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.