Karl Cook Rush

Colonel Karl Cook Rush, 90, entered the gates of Heaven peacefully on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Karl was a beloved son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and husband. He was a long-time member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, serving as deacon and chairman of the finance committee. Karl’s greatest accomplishment was sharing his love for God with his family, friends and grandchildren, living out his cherished Psalms 91, “He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

Karl was born on February 14, 1935, in Syracuse, New York where he was raised by his grandparents and aunt, all who poured God’s word into him from an early age. Karl graduated from Munhall High School as a salutatorian and from there earned a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Penn State University. He later attended Cornell University where he earned a master’s degree in food science. Karl proudly served in the United States Army for 23 years, completing two tours in Vietnam. He concluded his service in the Army as Director of Training Development at Fort Lee, Virginia in 1973. Afterwards, he worked for the Department of Social Services and retired after 20 years.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Violet Cook Rush; grandparents, Della and Lewis Rush; and aunt, Thelma Rush- all who raised him; father, Karl K. Rush; stepmother, Betty Rush; and son, Karl Scott Rush.

Karl is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 66 years, Marion “Polly” Spain Rush; son, Thomas D. Rush and wife, Rene’ S. Rush; his grandchildren, his pride and joy, Brett Rush and wife, Laura and Ashleigh Rush Manon and husband, Jack; great-grandson, Tate; special relatives, David and Betty Jean (Spain) Hargrave, “the Gravys”, Vickie, David, Jeanne, Claire, (Robin, Violet, Jacob) and Kevin Hargrave.

After retirement, Karl volunteered at the Army Quartermaster Museum, worked as a substitute teacher for Colonial Heights Public Schools, and devoted his time to building a strong relationship with his grandchildren. Karl doted on Brett and Ashleigh, bringing them breakfast daily before school and praying with them each morning. Karl proudly boasted and shared the accomplishments of his grandchildren to anyone who would listen. Karl was fondly known for his signature whistling throughout the Fort Lee PX and Commissary. Karl loved to tell stories about the army, Penn State, and Munhall. He possessed a wealth of knowledge about the Bible and history. Karl spent his life serving others and spreading God’s word. He cherished his wife and family. We are confident he is whistling praises to Jesus in Heaven.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. Interment will take place privately in Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.