Rustin Lee Burke

Rustin was born November 21st, 1984 to the parents of Rick and Shelley Burke of Follett, Texas.  Anxiously awaiting his arrival were his big sisters, Brandi and Mindi.  The first two years of his life, his sisters constantly fought over who got to hold him.  The girls never put him down; so much so, that he was evaluated by a doctor for developmental delays.  Once he turned two and could talk and walk, Rustin ran from them!

Rustin could do it all.  He spent the first few years with his farm toys, plowing over the kitchen carpet.  If someone walked over what he had just “plowed,” we were in big trouble.  Next up, he was a cowboy, and he dressed the part.  He rode calves and tied goats!  In Junior High, we met preppy Rustin, which led to the High School athlete.  Rustin was a fantastic six-man safety, played basketball, ran track, and excelled as a catcher for his baseball team.  High school is where his love of all things landscaping began, with his and Justin Blau’s mowing business.

Rustin attended Richardson College in Dallas.  After two years, he called his dad and said, “I’m wasting my time and your money.  I’m ready to go to work.”  Rustin moved to Oklahoma City and began his landscaping career. 

In 2007, Rustin met the love of his life, Kelly Cummings.  Our family completely fell in love with her, and they were married in 2009.  They began a successful landscaping business, Outer Elements, in 2010.  After years of trying for a baby, their precious daughter Blayke Avery was born on February 20, 2013.  When it was time for Blayke to start school, Rustin and Kelly returned to Follett to raise their daughter in his hometown.  He continued his love of landscaping with their new adventure, Evergreen Outdoors.  Rustin’s life was full of color, from his gift of creating the beautiful landscapes to the laughter and love he gave to those around him.  He had such a gift that will be missed and admired, as we are able to still enjoy the many masterpieces he created.

Rustin inherited his dad’s work ethic.  Some of their greatest times were working side-by-side building ponds, many, many dams, and never ending projects at the farm.  His dad was his greatest role model and his greatest teacher.  Rustin’s mom was his most special relationship.  Her unwavering love and constant support carried him through some of his darkest valleys and highest highs.  Her love and compassion for her baby boy was unmatched. 

Rustin and Kelly had many adventures, many laughs, and shared so much life together.  His strengths were her weaknesses and vice versa.  They had a lot of firsts-first homes, pregnancies, businesses, parenthood, and all the love that brings to a couple.  Even in times of struggle, there was always a true partnership and a real love for each other that would always prevail.  Their 17 years together will forever be cherished and missed. Rustin’s absence will always be felt.

His greatest joy was ME! As a baby, a playdate was his favorite.  He enjoyed taking me to the science museum, snow cone dates, and trips to the park.  My favorite memory with my dad was our trip to Disney World.

Rustin’s loyalty to his family and friends is one of his many qualities he was loved for.  Rustin was always friendly, Rustin had friends from all walks of life.  From lifelong childhood friends, to his brother-in-laws, to clients, to strangers, many of you are sitting in this room with us today.

Rustin is survived by his wife, Kelly, and precious daughter Blayke.  His mom and dad, Rick and Shelley Burke, all of Follett.  His sister, Brandi, brother-in-law Casey Cowan, and nephews Cohl, and Caine of Balko, Oklahoma. Sister, Mindi, brother-in-law Lynn, and niece and nephew Burkley, and Greyson Scott of Dumas, Texas.  Uncle Craig and Susan Holt of Booker, Texas.  Uncle Jeff and Linda Holt of Plano, Texas.  Father in Law, Wally and Holly Cummings of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.  Sister-in-law Katy and Zack, nephew and niece, Jackson and Stella Rogers of Owasso, Oklahoma. Brother-in-Law, Christopher Cummings of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and many extended family and friends.  He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Dick and Shirley Burke, his maternal grandparents, James Holt, Ronnie Witt and Sonja and Gene Burkhart.

Our family can never thank you enough for the love and prayers.