Thomas Richard "Rick" Fuston (Plainview)

Thomas Richard "Rick" Fuston, 82 of Turkey passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, April 11, 2024 at the Church of Christ in Turkey, Texas with Stuart Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Dreamland Cemetery in Turkey, Texas

A visitation will be held from 6-8 P.M. Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at the Church of Christ in Turkey, Texas.

Rick was born on April 18, 1941, the first child to parents T.R, and Hazel Fuston in Turkey, Hall County, Texas at Aunt Helen’s house. 

Rick was the oldest of 8 children that T.R. and Hazel raised on their place south of Turkey. Growing up, he farmed with his Dad, T.R. and watched his mother feed and care for a houseful of kids. In school he excelled in academics and athletics. He always had a story to share about playing football with his teammates and George Ray Colvin teaching them how to play basketball. He was Valedictorian of the Class of 1959.  In the fall of 1959, he attended West Texas State University. His dad thought he knew enough about farming and wanted him to expand his knowledge. Since accounting was the first item on the course curriculum, his decision was quickly made. Rick graduated in 1963 with a degree in Accounting. 

He married his high school sweetheart Sandy May Wilson on February 2, 1963 in Amarillo Texas.  Rick and Sandy made their first home on a little piece of land south of Turkey in a third hand 10 x 40 trailer house. Many precious memories were made in their modest home. Two adorable sons were born to them while living there, Rich and Randy.

His father, T.R., passed away in 1961 while Rick was still in college. He would come home to Turkey on the weekends to work on the farm and help his mom with his younger siblings.  He supplemented his income as a bookkeeper at the Paymaster Gin working with Billy Fuston, who influenced his life tremendously in life lessons and farming.

In 1958 Tommy Williams was the minister at the church in Turkey when Rick     dedicated his life to Christ and was baptized. This was the beginning of his lifelong service to the church in Turkey and his Lord and Savior. He was ordained as a Deacon at the Turkey Church of Christ in 1970 and as an elder in 1978. 

Rick and Sandy raised their boys out in the country, working side by side on the farm. Rich and Randy loved every minute of the blistering hot days spent out in the field attached to the end of a hoe handle. There were many football and        basketball games, traveling across the panhandle, and numerous other school    functions that were faithfully attended.

Over the years, Rick served the community in numerous ways such as the school board, bank board of directors, and farming and agriculture organization boards. Rick was once named Outstanding Farmer of the Year and was a member of the One Ton Club multiple years. Above all those accomplishments is the unmeasurable impact he had on so many lives in the community.

Rick and Sandy are blessed with five Grandchildren. All five would come and stay for nice long visits over spring break and summer vacation. There was plenty of work and play, lots of love and lots of fun. They would help in the field, play in the treehouse that Grandad built in the tree row west of the house, have picnics, and go swimming. And even visit a dude ranch. 

He is preceded in death by His parents TR and Hazel Fuston and brothers Joe and Darrell Fuston.

Rick is survived by his wife Sandy of 61 years. His son Rich and wife Sandi of Midland Texas. His son Randy and wife Rhonda of Austin Texas.

His grandchildren, Callie Elizabeth Fuston and Thomas Richard Fuston III of Midland, Texas. Danielle Nicole Mabry and husband Trent, children Hayden, Carter, Alex, Brydon, Cambria, Daycia of Caldwell, Texas. Jessica Renee Persons and husband Matt of Peoria Illinois. Alexandria Delynn Fuston of Lubbock, Texas.

His siblings Sharon Manus, David and wife Nancy Fuston, Brenda Seymore, Peggy and husband Dennis Irby, Hal Fuston and sister-in-law Caroll Fuston.