Maurice "Rusty" L. Aldridge

Maurice L. “Rusty” Aldridge was born August 13, 1954 in Ft. Worth, Texas. He passed from this life on Friday, December 1, 2017 at the age of 63. His father and mother were Robert S. and LaVerne “Bun” Aldridge.

He is survived by his son, Ian Wright Aldridge, Ian’s wife, Arya Claire, and two beautiful grandchildren, Ava and Apollo, his father, two sisters, Parris Nicholson of Marietta, GA, Mickie Beth Smith of Lone Oak, TX, a brother, Tom Aldridge II of Gulf Breeze, FL, two nieces, four nephews, three great nieces, five great nephews and many cousins.

Rusty will live on in the loving memories of his family and many friends.

Rusty graduated from High School at Woodward, OK in 1972. He earned a Masters of Education degree from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1999.

As a teacher he taught Science, Special Education and/or Physical Education in state schools and overseas with the Department of Defense schools. He also coached wrestling, girl’s basketball, and track. He was also a licensed instructor of scuba diving.

Along with his teaching, Rusty was an accomplished musician, singer and songwriter.

Other achievements include positions as a first responder, emergency medical technician, and as a Reserve Deputy for the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Department.

Rusty could take any juxtaposition and turn it into the funniest outburst which had truth, beauty, and goodness wrapped in a nice package and tied with a bow; yet keep the integrity of its simplicity at the same time. Rusty never pretended to be more than a common man. He wrote many songs and much beautiful poetry. They stayed with you. “With Love in your Heart, You’re a Winner” was simple and profound, much like his ability to love. Rusty ended the fight on his own terms. Rusty, you are a winner.

Celebration of Life will be held at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 21st.