Howard "Rusty" Pendleton

A Celebration of Life for Howard “Rusty” Pendleton, 81, will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Dr., Bossier City, Louisiana. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Officiating the service will be our beloved friend, Mark Faust.

Rusty was born on September 15, 1942, to Murray Pendleton and Margaret Cooksey Reid Pendleton in Cairo, Georgia, and passed away Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Bossier City, Louisiana.

Rusty’s career as a mechanic for various Dodge dealerships showcased his passion for fixing things and helping others. However, it was his role as Facilities Manager for Church in The Son in Orlando, Florida, and Northpoint Community Church in Bossier City, Louisiana, that truly brought him joy. Rusty found fulfillment in overseeing God’s house and caring for the people who walked through its doors.

Described as having the patience of Job, Rusty was known for his big heart and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure every task was completed with excellence. He had a knack for telling jokes and always wore a contagious smile that brightened the day of those around him. Rusty loved God and his country. He was married to the love of his life, Gail Reynolds Pendleton for 43 years. His family meant the world to him, and he loved being a dad and Papaw.

In his spare time, Rusty indulged in hobbies such as motorcycles and NASCAR racing. A prodigy on the racetrack from a young age, he earned the title of “The World’s Smallest Racer” by NASCAR when he was just a boy. His father’s handmade race car allowed him to zip around tracks starting at the tender age of four. Rusty’s racing adventures took him across the southeast, but once he was flown to New York on a Friday and back home on Monday, just in time for school. He had to stop touring when he grew too big to fit into his race car. His dad would have to remove the steering wheel to help him get in as he grew.

Rusty was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William Pendleton, Tommy Pendleton, and grandson, Hunter Gore. He is survived by his wife, Gail Reynolds Pendleton; sons, Ken Pendleton and wife, Amber, William Gore, Brent Pendleton and wife, Jennifer; six grandchildren; sisters, Betty Jean “Ringo” Pendleton, Debbie Pendleton Card; brother, Scott Pendleton, and special mother, Elaine Pendleton.

Honoring Rusty as honorary pallbearers will be Ken Pendleton, William Gore, Brent Pendleton, Ken Crain, Christian Johnson, Eric LeBlanc, Ray Strickland and William Hawkins.

The family suggests memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors, support.woundedwarriorproject.org, or to the charity of your choice.