To view The River of Life Video Memorial, click HERE. (Microsoft Internet Explorer and a high-speed connection required).

To visit the Rusty Johns Memorial Website, click here.

Arthur Coy "Rusty" Johns, lifetime resident of Paris, died at home on Thursday, July 31, 2008, at 90.5 years of age. Rusty was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 55 years, Florence Elizabeth "Tody" Reitz Johns; his parents, Arch and Lillie Johns; his older sisters, Data Buzbee, Violet Vincent, and Mary Richey; and his younger sister, Kate Kolsem. Rusty is survived by his daughter and her family, Lee Johns Lane and husband, Sam McCutcheon; grandson, Major David Lane, USMC and his wife, Hannah, and great-grandson, Scott Arthur; grandson Alan Lane, Esq., and his wife, Terri, and great-granddaughters, Eliza Maxine and Ivy Elizabeth. Rusty is survived by his son and his family, Buck Johns and wife, Colleen; grandsons, Jeff, Bill, Reed, and Mitch; and granddaughter and her family, Beth Johns Holder, and husband, Matt, and great-grandson, William Owen. Rusty has one living sister, Evelyn Larsen and her husband, Bill, and two living brothers, Tom Buck Johns and his wife, Doris, and baby brother, Harvey Johns. Rusty has five nephews and four nieces.

Rusty was born December 27, 1917, "the year of the big snow" (over the years Rusty's stories had the depth of the snow grow from 18 inches to more than 36 inches). Rusty grew up in the Paris Hardware Co., started by his father and Will Richey in 1926, which he later owned and operated until he retired in 1989. Rusty was an outstanding Paris High School center for the undefeated championship 1935 Eagle football team under Coach John Webb and the championship team of 1936. Rusty helped his father concrete Hwy 22 from Paris to Charleston by selling cokes. He hauled rocks during the building of the First Christian Church in early 1930's, where he was a lifetime member. Rusty served his country in WWII as an Army Staff Sergeant in the Pacific. He returned home in 1946, and bought into the Paris Hardware with his Papa, Arch Johns. Rusty served on th Selective Service Board for over 20 years, and has been a member of American Legion Post 121 for over 60 years. Rusty was Director of Civil Defense for Paris during the 1950's, Volunteer Fireman, City Alderman, member of Logan County Quorum Court, Justice of the Peace, and a member of the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs. Rusty was responsible for the fireworks over Paris City Lake on the Fourth of July, and the building of the Paris Rodeo Arena along with several other city fathers in the 1950's. Rusty was a lifetime member of the Little Creek Golf Club and the Evans Meadowbrook Golf Club. Rusty has been an Arkansas Razorback Foundation supporter for over 40 years. In response to an interview question from Bob Thomas in 2006, "What would you say was the most unusual thing about Paris?" Rusty immediately reponded, "We had some of the best people in the world in this town. Hard working people - they worked hard and played hard. They supported their churches, they supported their schools, and most of all, they supported each other."

Rusty's love of Paris, clever stories, and insight into life will be remembered and re-told by his family and friends for years to come. Pallbearers will be five of Rusty's grandchildren - Jeff, David, Alan, Bill, and Mitch - and his nephew, Johns Anthony Vincent. Honorary pallbearers will be members of American Legion Post 121. Visitation will be Sunday, August 3, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the downstairs of the First Christian Church. Funeral service will be Monday, August 4, at 10:00 a.m., at the First Christian Church. Rev. H.C. Varnadore will preside. Burial, immediately following the service, will be at Oak Wood Cemetery under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home in Paris. Razorback red attire would certainly please Rusty.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to First Christian Church, 120 E. Walnut, Paris, AR 72855, or the Paris Boys & Girls Club, P.O. Box 227, Paris, AR 72855.