Russell "Rusty" Gene Harcrow

Russell “Rusty” Gene Harcrow, longtime Seminole, Oklahoma resident, passed away on April 19, 2021 at the age of 62. He was born in Idabel, Oklahoma on June 5, 1958 to parents James Lewis Harcrow, Sr. and Dolores Charlene (Warren) Harcrow. He spent most of his youth in Crowley, Louisiana, developing his love for all things Cajun. He graduated high school in 1976 in Broken Bow, Oklahoma where he was voted most outstanding senior, all-around athlete and was an officer in FFA. Rusty worked for several years as a disc jockey at a radio station in Broken Bow. In 1979 he was voted “Disc Jockey of the Year” in Oklahoma.

Rusty moved to Seminole in 1979 and joined his dad, James Harcrow, in the construction business. He worked side by side with his dad where he mastered the art of carpentry. In 1988 Harcrow Construction was passed down to Rusty after his dad passed away. In October of 1990 he married the love of his life, Trisha (Goff) Harcrow in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It was a special place they returned to annually to celebrate their anniversary.

Rusty took a short pause from construction in 1995 in order to live out his dream of opening “Rusty’s Restaurant” with his wife and father-in-law, Jim Goff. It was a Cajun concept feat using many family recipes and his infamous sign collection. This concept continued with the opening of “Rusty’s Diner”, managed by his sister and mother. In the late 90’s, Rusty picked back up the craft of construction and remodeling. His Dad’s motto of putting the customer first lived on in Rusty’s work ethic. His eye for creative design, original plans, and outgoing warm personality is what kept his customers coming back for more. Rusty was always sharing words of wisdom that fueled his passion for life like “Let the good times roll”, “Life is good” and “Never settle for less than what you want”.

Rusty enjoyed gardening, cooking, sign collecting, and hosting large family get togethers. He especially loved traveling. Some of his favorite times were taking road trips in his orange Jeep and vacation cruises with all his girls. He was an award-winning gardener, grill master, and king of selfie taking. He went above and beyond to celebrate every holiday. His family agrees that he was the best husband ever and the ultimate girl dad. He would often quote his favorite movie and say “It’s a Wonderful Life”.

Rusty leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 30 years,Trisha Harcrow, his mother; Dolores Harcrow, his daughters; Jessica Nickell and her husband Ryan and granddaughter Arabella Nickell of Ada, Oklahoma, Abby Harcrow of Ft. Worth, Texas and Lily Harcrow of Seminole, sisters; Jane Stevenson and her husband Billy Dan of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Robin Griffith and her husband Steven of Lantana, Texas and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his father, James Harcrow, Sr. and his brother, James “Jimmy” Harcrow, Jr.

The family will receive visitors from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 22, 2021 at Swearingen Funeral Home. A Catholic Rosary will follow at the funeral home and all visitors are invited to stay if they wish.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 23, 2021 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Seminole with Rev. Joseph P. Schwarz officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Seminole.

Pallbearers will be Matt Gamel, Blake Lozano, Ryan Nickell, Harlan Sale, Eb Simon and Asher Welch. Honorary Pallbearers will be John Bristol, Steven Griffith, Billy Dan Stevenson, Troy Stevenson and his many close friends too numerous to list.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial donations be made to the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum, 1714 W. Wrangler Blvd, Seminole, Oklahoma 74868 or Interfaith Social Ministries, P.O. Box 1602 Seminole, Oklahoma 74818.

Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma.

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