Willis Ray (Rusty) McPherson passed away on February 8, 2010, in Brownwood Regional Medical Center. Rusty McPherson was born in Bell County, Texas, to Samuel Grant and Ruby (Cooper) McPherson on March 27, 1933. He married Reba June Brodie on June 24, 1955, in Fort Worth, Texas.

Rusty joined the Navy in 1951 and served in the Korean War. After four years in the Navy, he enlisted in the Air Force where he worked in air traffic control. Later, he served as a technical writer for the Air Traffic Control School. He retired after 21 years of service to his country.Rusty and his family moved to the Elm Grove Community in 1972 where he began farming and ranching. Rusty was a Master Electrician and a skilled carpenter. He worked as a group leader for New Horizon Ranch for Children.Rusty was a life-long learner. After retiring from the military, he earned his Bachelor's of Education Degree from Tarleton State University. He enjoyed reviewing books for Howard Payne University. Some of his reviews appeared on Barnes and Noble's website.

Rusty was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Rusty is survived by his wife of 54 years, Reba June McPherson of Elm Grove; one daughter, Valerie Gossett and her husband Wayne of Elm Grove; and one son, Richard McPherson and his wife Sharon of Abilene.He is also survived by three brothers and one sister: John Earl McPherson of Richland Springs; Jack McPherson; Sam McPherson and his wife Jeannette; Sandra Overstreet and her husband Eddie; two sisters-in-law, Etta McPherson and Pat McPherson, all of Llano.Four grandchildren: Gary Gossett and his wife Claylene of Rochelle; Rayna Skaggs and her husband Will of DeLeon; Casey Gossett and his wife Sally of Elm Grove; and Chad Gossett and his wife Carolyn of Brownwood.Eight great-grandchildren: Shaylene Williams, Amber Brown, Shawn Skaggs, Jordan Gossett, Jacey Gossett, Chase Gossett, Kenzie Gossett, Dusti Gossett, and several very special nieces and nephews.Rusty was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Bill McPherson and Mike McPherson, all of Llano.

Services will be held Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 1:00 P.M. at the Howell-Doran Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Don Ramsey officiating. Interment to follow at a later date at the ceremony at Varga Chapel Cemetery.

The family requests that memorials be made to the the Richland Springs School Library.

Funeral Services under the Direction of Howell Doran Funeral Home.