Michael Woodrow Rushing

Michael Woodrow Rushing, 79, of Jackson, MO died Sunday, March 5, 2023, at St. Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was the ultimate GIVER. Everything he did, he did for someone else.

He was born May 31, 1943 in Cape Girardeau. Son of Claude Woodrow (Woody) Rushing and Evelyn Rushing (Bullock). He and Donna (Yancey) were married on May 30, 1970 and enjoyed 52 wonderful years together.

Mike began his river career early as his father was General Manager for Missouri Barge Line Company, Inc., in Cape Girardeau, MO. He began riding the towboats during the summer when he was 12 years old and continued to spend part or all of his summer vacations on the boats. In January of 1963 he went to work steady on the river. He stood his first watch as a Pilot later that year.

In January of 1967 Mike was drafted into the U.S. Army and served two years, getting out in January of 1969. Upon returning from the Army, he began working in the office at Missouri Barge Line as well as serving as Pilot or Captain on the various company vessels as needed. He continued in this role until becoming full-time Port Captain in about 1973 and later on, Operations Manager by about 1976.

In 1979 he and his father started Rushing Marine Corporation where they owned and operated towboats.

In late 1991 he became the Executive Vice President of MEMCO Barge Line.  In 1995 he started Rushing Marine Service, LLC where he worked alongside his son Todd until his death.

He was a member of New McKendree United Methodist Church where he served for many years on the Church Council and as Lay Leader. He went on to become the District Lay Leader for the Southeast District of the Missouri Conference.

He was dedicated to the men in the Breaking Bonds Addiction Recovery Ministry. He worked to help them see what it means to be a follower of Christ so that they could find a relationship with Christ and be successful in life. Mike was known for saying and sharing inspirational quotes, which the Breaking Bonds men lovingly coined "Mike-isms".

He was an avid Boy Scouter. He served on many Wood Badge Staffs and served as the Course Director. In doing so he helped many adults become better leaders. He also served as a Unit Commissioner for many years. He earned the Silver Beaver Award in 2007. This is the highest award an adult can receive in scouting.

He loved the Soap Box Derby. He has been a part of the local Soap Box Derby race, hosted by the Rotary Club of Cape Girardeau, since 2000. He owned over 20 cars that he recruited local kids to build and drive. He often said we are building kids, not cars. He would spend almost every evening from February to July in the shop helping kids and their families build cars, and was a member of the All-American Soap Box Derby racing commission. All five grandchildren had an opportunity to race in the Derby. He was elected into the All-American Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame in 2022.

He helped to establish the Rushing Family Trust in honor of his parents. This Charitable Trust will hold its 25th annual "Captain Woody" Golf Tournament in October of this year. This tournament has raised over $500,000 to benefit charity.

Survivors include his wife Donna; his children, Carmen Cox, and Todd Rushing and wife Julie Ludwig Rushing; grandchildren, Colby Rushing, Austin Rushing, Gunnar Cox, Gracyn Cox, Matthew (Cortney) Cox; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family wishes to thank the team of Doctors, Nurses, and Staff in the St. Francis Hospital Intensive Care Unit for the exceptional way they cared for Mike and his family.

Friends may call at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson, MO from 4pm to 8pm on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Please wear something that shows how you are affiliated with an organization that Mike had an impact on (i.e. Soapbox Derby, Scouts, etc.)

Funeral will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, March 9, 2023 (with visitation between 10:00 am and 11:00 am) at New McKendree United Methodist Church South Campus.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the Rushing Family Charitable Trust or church or charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab of Mike's obituary at McCombsfuneralhome.com.

Rushing Family Charitable Trust

New McKendree United Methodist Church, Jackson, MO
225 S. High Street, Jackson MO 63755
Tel: 1-573-243-8487
Web: https://newmckendree.org/

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