Peter Allan Rust

Lakeland - Mr. Peter Allan Rust, 78, of Davenport, died Friday, July 27, 2018, at Florida Presbyterian Homes Rehab Center following a stay at Tampa General Hospital. Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Rust was the son of the late Gordon and Frieda Rust who moved to Davenport in 1953. He was a graduate of Haines City High School and attended the University of Florida before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1962 where he finished his service at the ranking of Sargent E-5 in 1966. In 1962, Peter married Harriet Rewis and remained happily so for 55+ years. He returned to Davenport after the Marine Corps and began a 30 year career with General Telephone as an Operations Manager. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and always did his best through his work to provide for his family, his church and his community. Peter is a member of First United Methodist Church Lakeland. Mr. Rust served as the Mayor of the City of Davenport from 1996-2012. He also served in many civic organizations including: as a Polk County Tourism Diplomat; Member of the City of Davenport’s School Task Force, Charter Review, and City Council. He is a lifetime member of the Davenport Historical Society and the Campbell County Historical Society of Rustburg, Virginia. He served the Ridge League of Cities as President, Vice President, Secretary and Board Director. Peter was a passionate servant of the Davenport United Methodist Church as the Choir Director (1981-2006), Building Committee Chairman, Finance Committee and Administrative Council Member. He also volunteered as the Davenport Build Organizational Director for the Habitat for Humanity and as a member of Polk County’s Citizens Healthcare Oversight Committee for the Board of County Commissioners. When his children were young he was a Boy Scout Leader, President of Davenport Chamber of Commerce, Davenport Volunteer Fire Chief, Little League Baseball Head Coach and devoted Haines City High School Cheer Dad. Mr. Rust was preceded in death by his sister Joan Rust Giles and son-in-law S. Randy Roberts. He is survived by his loving wife Harriet Rewis Rust, son John L. Rust, Davenport, son Michael A. Rust, (Laura Yates) Frostproof, and daughter Sara Roberts McCarley (Trey) Lakeland; grandchildren Dugan Yates Rust, Charlotte Arden Roberts and Samuel Porter Roberts. Funeral Services will be held at First United Methodist Church Lakeland in the Sanctuary at 11am Wednesday, August 1, with visitation in the Narthex at 10am prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Randy Roberts Foundation, PO Box 2753, Lakeland, Florida 33806.