Norman Eugene Reust

Norman Eugene Patrick Reust (known by many as “Rooster”) of Keller, Texas, shared his last smile with us on Monday, November 11, 2019. He was 75 years young. Norm was born on July 18, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Francis and Mary Jane Reust. He grew up in a full house, being the sixth of ten children in Ferguson, Missouri.

At the age of 18, Norm joined the Air Force and completed his basic training at Chanute Air Force Base (AFB) in Illinois. He became an Aerospace Ground Equipment Mechanic at Beale AFB in California and was assigned to serve at Torrejon AFB in Madrid, Spain. After completing his four years of service, he found himself needed by his brother and moved to Lancaster, California. Even at an early age, family was always a priority.

In the fall of 1967, Norm enrolled in Antelope Valley Junior College where, serendipitously, he met the love of his life, Jean. Norm immediately told his brother, Frank, that he had found the girl of his dreams and was going to marry her. Three short months later, Norm and Jean were engaged! On October 12, 1968, their 51-year journey together began. Three days after their wedding, they moved back to Missouri, where he had previously accepted a new position at Eastern Airlines.

In Missouri, their family grew through the welcoming of their four children: Jim, Julie, John, and Jill. A switch to American Airlines brought the family to Keller, Texas, where the daily escapades of his wife and children kept him entertained for his remaining 37 years.

A man of many talents and areas of knowledge, easy-going Norm loved everything about life. Whether quietly enjoying a cup of coffee observing the wildlife out the window of his dining room, or trekking across South Africa appreciating the warmth and kindness of a new culture, Norm relished sharing these experiences with family and friends alike.

All who had the privilege of loving Norm were drawn to his bright smile, quirky sense of humor, and effervescent zest for life. He will be dearly missed but will continue to live through the heartwarming and funny stories of the adventures (and misadventures) that made up his 75 years.

Norm is survived by his wife Jean of 51 years of marriage, his four children and their spouses: James and Anna Reust, Julie and Kevin Bloxom, John and Krista Reust, Jill and Pascal Robert, and his soon to be 12 grandchildren: Dakota, Kolby, Thomas, Zachary, Tymber, Gabriel, Phenyx, Strut, Tatum, Scout, Scarlytt, and a new little boy due on November 28. He is also survived by his siblings: Mary Ann Beckman, Nancy Struckhoff, Bobbie Reust, Maureen Travis, and Bob Reust. He is preceded in death by his siblings: Frank Reust, Steve Reust, Marcus Reust, and Kate O-Brien.

A celebration of life mass and service will be held at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Keller, Texas, on Friday, November 22, 2019, at 2:00 p.m.

To continue Norm’s legacy of living a life of kindness, in lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be directed to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School in Keller, TX. Checks should be made out to SEASCS and include Norm’s name in the memorandum line. Supporting the next generation with a place to learn, laugh, play, and celebrate life would be just what he wanted.