Douglas Alan Rush

Douglas “Doug” Alan Rush, age 74, passed surrounded by loved ones on July 4, 2021. Doug was born in the town of Bloomington in Washington County, Minnesota on October 30, 1946. He was the third of eleven children of Catherine and Reign Rush.

Doug is lovingly remembered by his adoring wife, Phinga, sister Sharon, brothers Jimmy and Ronnie, and six children: Deona, Michael, Leem, Ivy, Jeff and Terry, and many other family and friends. He also had 15 loving grandchildren, which he loved and adored. He is preceded in death by his parents, Reign and Catherine (Nyleen) Rush and seven brothers.

Doug was a veteran of the Vietnam War. As a patriot, he served his country honorably and proudly as a “Brown Shirt” (Plane Captain) in the Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Four (HS-4) of the U.S. Navy. He served admirably to ensure the security of his pilots and safe return of the young men injured or lost in combat to their families back in the states.

During his service aboard USS Hornet, Doug was especially proud of the role that he and his shipmates contributed in the rescue and recovery efforts during the Apollo missions. From late 1968 through the spring of 1970, the Black Knights of HS-4 participated in the capsule recoveries of Apollo missions 8, 10, 11, 12, and 13. He often shared the story of meeting Buzz and Armstrong.

Doug’s experiences and service in the Navy played an important role in how he lived his life – to serve God by serving others. The Navy taught him the values of hard work, discipline, integrity and investment in others before himself. Through his actions and words, he imparted these values in his children and grandchildren ensuring his legacy.

In life, Doug loved talking politics, listening and playing music, collecting coins, attempting humor (Dad jokes) and writing poetry. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and sneaking sweets and ice cream.

Doug grew up in Bloomington and Forest Lake, Minnesota, before moving to Austin, Texas, in retirement. At 2:00 PM CT, Wednesday, July 21, 2021, his family will host a service with military honors at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 N Interstate Hwy 35, Pflugerville, TX 78660. For friends and family in Minnesota unable to attend this service, his family will announce and host a Celebration of Life at a later date. Memorials preferred to Save the Children; a cause and mission which Doug was gracious and passionate