Russell "Rusty" H Roe

Russell Howard Roe, known affectionately as "Rusty," passed away peacefully with his wife Thelma by his side at his home in Hermiston, Oregon. He was 77.

​Rusty was born on May 28, 1948, to Patricia Ann and William Russell Roe. Rusty was a kind, gentle man with a wonderful sense of humor. He was a friend to everyone who knew him.

​Rusty proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Among his fondest military memories was serving aboard the USS Arlington, which was part of the crucial recovery team for the Apollo 8 mission. Following his service, Rusty embarked on a  42-year career on the railroad. He retired in 2008 as a  Locomotive Engineer, having worked for both the Milwaukee and Union Pacific Railroads.
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​Rusty’s life was defined by two enduring passions: music and classic cars. He discovered his love for the saxophone in the 5th grade and continued to play throughout his life, playing with numerous bands over the years.  He also could often be found at local car shows, indulging his love for antique cars and expanding his collection. There wasn't a classic car he didn't love.
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​He is lovingly survived by his wife, Thelma, who was his partner in crime for 45 years, and never too far from his side. He is also survived by his two sisters, Teresa (Doug) Nowlin and Sunny Baxley, and stepsister Pam Paluska, as well as many nieces and nephews

​Rusty was preceded in death by his mother and father, and two sisters.

​A funeral service will be held on November 15th at 11:00 am at Burns Mortuary in Hermiston, Oregon.

​A celebration of life will follow the service at the Hermiston  Senior Center, where friends and family are invited to share memories at a potluck reception.

A 2nd celebration of life is planned for next summer (2026) in Three Forks Montana in July.

​In lieu of flowers and to honor Rusty's lifelong dedication to music, the family requests that memorial donations be made to your favorite local
elementary school band department. 

Please share memories of Rusty with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Russell "Rusty" H Roe, please visit our floral store.