Lewis A. Rusk, 58, passed away on Sept. 30, 2026, after a brief but valiant battle with jaw cancer. He was born in Kansas

City, MO, on Aug. 28, 1968, to Peggy Jones Rusk and Robert L. Rusk, arriving just a few minutes ahead of his twin

brother.

A Celebration of Life will be at 2 p.m. Sat., Oct. 24, 2026, at the Lenexa City Center, 8741Ryckert St., Lenexa, KS

66129. Because Lewis loved bright colors, the family invites those attending to wear something casual, bright, and cheery.

Lewis will be buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Independence, MO, at a private family service.

Lewis was a kind and gentle soul who loved his family immensely and enjoyed several unique hobbies. A very creative

person, Lewis studied both Russian and Art History at the University of Kansas following his graduation from

Washington High School, Kansas City, KS, in 1986.

With a witty sense of humor, Lewis brought joy and laughter to those around him. He was smart (he knew about 80% of

the answers on Jeopardy), quick-witted, and entertaining. He loved the arts, including visual, literature, and performing. To

say he was a movie and TV buff is a tremendous understatement. He loved movies and shows of all genres, collected

thousands of CDs and DVDs, and could effortlessly quote lines of movies and shows on demand. Some of his favorites

were the TV show Seinfeld, Woody Allen, and Quentin Tarantino, especially the movie “Inglorious Bastards.” Lewis

knew the value of things—he could visit a thrift shop and immediately recognize items of value. He had a keen sense of

knowing what people want, and what they would pay for them.

Lewis was his own person. He was drawn to unique things, whether it be his car, music, art, decor, and even his house. He

had recently purchased a darling stone cottage in Independence, MO, and was in the process of updating, decorating, and

furnishing it at the time of his illness. And he was a snappy, colorful dresser who wasn’t afraid to shake it up in his

wardrobe.

Lewis was loyal, especially to his family. He provided much-needed care and support for both his parents as they aged,

helping his father in many ways and providing love and companionship to his mother. The special bond with his mother

during her last few years of life was something he cherished. While he had no children, Lewis went out of his way to be

the best uncle possible, attending his nieces’ and nephews’ school functions, taking time to simply talk to them and hear

their perspectives, and providing unique and thoughtful gifts to them.

Professionally, Lewis worked for Kaufman & Nichols CPA Firm for 17 years and was then employed with FPG Tax &

Accounting, the firm’s successor, for the past three and a half years. Prior to that, he was self-employed and worked in

online sales.

Lewis is preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Geoff Nichols. He is survived by his sisters, Vickie

Kaufman (Larry), Micki Nichols (Geoff), Roberta Sullivan (Kevin), and Becky Loboda (Drew), and his twin brother Tom

Rusk (Angie), his nieces and nephews, Steve Nichols, Monica Coe (David), Drake Kaufman, Kelly Arbuckle (Mitch),

Jessica Margritier (Matthew), Anya Loboda, Lindsey Brown (Zach), and Lauren Rusk and 10 grand-nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. Donations

can be made online at nelson-atkins.org, click on Give, then on Tribute/Memorial Gifts and list Lewis’ name, or mailed to

Attn: Development, 4525 Oak St., Kansas City, MO 64111. Please note that the gift is in memory of Lewis A. Rusk.