John Michael Rush (Mike) a beloved husband, father, and brother, peacefully passed away on June 13, 2024. His life was defined by an unwavering devotion to family, an insatiable curiosity for the world around him and a keen wit that kept everyone guessing!

Born on January 24, 1940, in Kansas City, to John Taylor Rush and Geraldine Amanda Rush, his family moved to Pasadena, Texas during his childhood. Yet he often regaled us with stories of carefree days and youthful mischief on the Rush Family Farm in Missouri. These memories shaped his love for land and nature at an early age. He translated this love into a career as a Landman, forging connections and swapping stories with farmers and ranchers across Texas. He attended The University of Texas in Austin where he met Cherry Ann Gradwohl, the love of his life and bride of 61 happy years. He graduated with a degree in Petroleum Engineering and began his distinguished career as a Landman in Bridgeport, Texas where his two daughters were born. He later moved to Houston where he enjoyed expanding career opportunities and closeness with family.

Mike's knack for craftsmanship knew no bounds – from gardening and winemaking, to cheesemaking, woodworking and angling, he tackled it all with a scientist's curiosity and a craftsman's precision. Our memories of summer days gathering fresh blackberries for his homemade blackberry jam still make our mouths water. Mike delighted in science and nature, and enjoyed engaging conversation that deepened his understanding of the Earth's wonders. His passion for the world around him was matched only by his genuine warmth and quick wit, making every interaction with him a memorable experience.

Travel held a special fascination for Mike. He found equal delight in a roadside peach stand during a family road trip or majestic Alaskan glaciers on a family cruise. An avid hunter and fisherman, he spent pleasurable weekends boating and fishing on Galveston Bay or hunting whatever was in season with friends or family. He patiently taught his daughters the art of baiting a hook and loading a muzzleloader – skills they may or may not have mastered to his satisfaction. When Mike spoke of his grandchildren, a twinkle of pride lit up his eyes. He delighted in their joys, whether it was sharing his love of fishing and hunting with Chase, marveling at math puzzles with Vaughn, or exchanging playful jests of laughter with Eden.

Mike leaves behind a legacy of resilience, love, and enduring zest for life that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by his wife Cherry Ann Rush, daughter Kristen Rush Reeves and her husband James Michael Reeves, daughter Roseanna Rush Williams and her husband Jason Dean Williams, grandson Otto Vaughn Osterman, grandson Christopher Chase Osterman and his wife Kiernan Kelly Osterman, granddaughter Eden Kathleen Williams, sister Susan Jane Laskowski and her husband Philip A. Laskowski and loving cousins and other family members. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Klein Funeral Home, CyFair, TX, 9719 Wortham Blvd, Houston, TX 77065.