Phillip Dale Rusher, 73, of Owensboro, Kentucky, went to his heavenly home on June 29, 2026, while surrounded by his family. Born on June 2, 1953, to Phillip and Bess Rusher, Phil grew up as a member of Third Baptist Church and graduated from Daviess County High School in 1971. Phil attended Western Kentucky University, where he met his wife, Sheila. After attending WKU for two years, Phil and Sheila moved to Lexington, where Phil completed his education at the University of Kentucky, earning his Professional Engineer (PE) license in Civil Engineering. During this time, he also earned his pilot license and enjoyed taking Sheila up for adventures in the sky.
After completing his degree from UK, Phil and Sheila moved back to Owensboro where they raised their two sons, Phillip and Nathan. Phil worked alongside his father for the family business, Phillip Rusher Pipeline Construction, where they specialized in extracting and producing oil. In Fordsville, Kentucky, Phil enjoyed farming where he raised cattle and crops on the family farm.
Phil’s true enjoyment came on his yearly family vacations to New Smyrna Beach, FL, and Disney World, often referred to as his “happy place.” Phil cherished time with his grandchildren and loved taking them fishing, swimming, sledding, and vacations to Disney where they will forever have the fondest memories of their “Grandaddy.”
Phil attended Christ Community Church and Abundant Life Church in later years. His unwavering faith always remained the most important to him. His willingness to serve others touched so many in this community and his family. Phil generously gave his time, kindness and compassion to others and enjoyed volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. Helping others was always one of his greatest joys.
Phil is survived by his wife Sheila of 52 years, children Phillip Rusher (Mary Katherine) and Nathan Rusher (Lauren), sister Vicki Robertson (Ryan), nephew Eric Robertson (Elizabeth) and grandchildren Madelyn, Marlowe, Caroline, Phillip, and William Rusher. Phil was a man of faith in Jesus Christ and will be greatly missed by his many friends and family.
The funeral service for Phil Rusher will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until 1:30 pm on Thursday. Burial will follow at Owensboro Memorial Gardens.
Memories and condolences for the family may be offered at www.glenncares.com