George (Rusty) R. Addleman

George (Rusty) R. Addleman

Nov. 12, 1938 - July 12, 2021

OBERLIN, Kan. — George (Rusty) R. Addleman, 82, of Oberlin, was born on Nov. 12, 1938, to Ted and Neva (Russell) Addleman at Benton Memorial Hospital, Oberlin. He passed July 12, 2021, at Decatur Health Systems, Oberlin.

Rusty attended Oberlin Grade School and graduated from Decatur Community High School in 1956. He attended College of Emporia, Emporia, Kan. He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and sciences. While at C. of E., he helped lead the “Presbies” to the 1959 Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference football championship. He was named to the First Team of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-American Football team and Williamson National Football Rating System. While at C. of E., he earned 17 varsity letters in five sports: football, track, baseball, basketball and golf.

He signed a contract with the Green Bay Packers after the 1960 draft. That summer he survived the two-week training camp and made the final cut before being released from the team. At that time, well-known players on the team were Paul Horning, Jim Taylor, and Bart Starr. His coach was the infamous Vince Lombardi who was just beginning his coaching career with the Green Bay Packers. Rusty felt honored to be coached by him.

He received a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in 1963 from the University of Kansas. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force Medical Service Corps. Rusty attended the University of Minnesota and received a Master of Hospital Administration degree through the Air Force in 1967. He did his internship at Travis AFB, Calif., and graduated in 1969. The following four years he was in hospital administration at ENT AFB, Colorado Springs, Lowry AFB, CO; and Osan AFB, Korea.

In 1972, he resigned from Air Force with the rank of captain. He accepted an administrative position at the Tennessee Foundation for Medical Care in Nashville, Tenn., until 1976. In 1976, he returned to Oberlin to administer a Health Underserved Rural Areas Grant to help small towns improve the health care in rural communities. During this time, he purchased the drug store from his dad, hired a pharmacist, and later became a full-time pharmacist in 1990, retiring in 2009. Addleman Drug Store was a family business for 103 years in Oberlin.

Four generations of Addleman men have served Decatur County for the last 142 years. They were: Nathan, Dott, Ted, and George (Rusty). Their occupations ranged from county clerk, merchant, and two generations of pharmacists. Rusty continued the tradition of “service first” to the community. The Oberlin community has always had a special place in his heart and he wanted it to be progressive. He contributed where needed on numerous boards, committees, such as: hospital board, city council, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Church Council, American Legion, golf course and fund raising for various organizations, etc. He made sure that Oberlin always had fireworks for 4th of July.

Rusty’s greatest joy was his family, although golf, K-U Jayhawks, and watching sports were a close second. He was proud of his children and grandchildren. PaPa was always their number one supporter and enjoyed watching all of their activities.

Rusty and Sharon Pollnow were married on Aug. 11, 1963, in Oberlin. To this union three children were born: Michelle Renee’, Shannon Ree’ and Chad Theodore.

Rusty is survived by his wife, Sharon Addleman; three children, Michelle (Kevin) Rush, Shannon Addleman, and Chad (Noel) Addleman and six grandchildren, Gavin and Gannon Rush, Brynna and Bryant Addleman-Gillund, Kate and Jack Addleman; sister, Ruth Ingold, Lenexa, Kan.; as well as extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Alan; and brother-in-law, Robert Ingold.

Memorial services will be 10 a.m., Friday, July 30, 2021, at the Oberlin United Methodist Church. A private family burial will be at Oberlin Cemetery. Visitation 12-8 p.m., Thursday, July 29, 2021, at Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin. Family will receive guests from 6:30 - 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rusty Addleman Memorial Fund or charity of your choice. Condolences may be left at www.paulsfh.com

Pauls Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.