Lawrence Richard Scheewe

‘Rusty’ Lawrence Richard Scheewe, cherished husband, father, and grandfather, passed away in his home early Sunday morning on May 3, 2020 at the age of 80. Rusty was born June 17, 1939 in New York City, NY to Lawrence ‘Larry’ and Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Scheewe.

 Rusty grew up in Arlington, VA. It was during his early family life that his strong work ethic began as he was engaged as a young ‘apprentice’ at his mother’s printing business.

 Rusty graduated from St. John’s College High School in Washington, DC; attended the United States Military Academy Preparatory School in Ft. Belvoir, VA; and, graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1962. As a cadet at West Point, Rusty excelled in athletics and academics and was looked up to by many of his fellow plebs. He was soon commissioned in the Infantry and served in the US Army’s 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii and in the Republic of Vietnam. In Hawaii, he served as the Aide de Camp to the Commanding General, US Army Hawaii. In Vietnam, he commanded an Infantry Rifle Company in the 1st Battalion, 35thInfantry, 25th ID.

 While in command, Rusty was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action, as well as the Purple Heart. Though severely wounded in the incident, he refused evacuation until his men were safe. His other awards and decorations included the Combat infantryman’s Badge, Ranger tab, and parachute wings. Rusty was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1968. His military service truly epitomized his love of our country and the West Point motto of “Duty, Honor, Country.”

 Rusty received his MBA from the Wharton School of Business in 1970 and went on to teach at several colleges including Penn State and the University of New Hampshire. Rusty became an entrepreneur for several years, going on to practice in the financial sector for over twenty-five years.

 While in his PhD program at Penn State, Rusty met his sweetheart Nancy and they were married in 1977, beginning their 43-year companionship as husband and wife. He lived in Pittsburgh, PA for 20 years before moving to the Asheville, NC area in 1996.

 Rusty was an involved parent and a significant influence in the lives of his children.  He taught them about service, integrity, and honor by his example and through countless family activities and trips. He coached their sports teams, led their scouting groups and never missed an event in which they participated. Nothing was more important to him than giving his children the experiences and skills they needed to become independent and contributing individuals. He taught them to aspire to greatness, never settle for mediocrity and always finish the job despite challenges.

 Rusty had a love for trivia and puzzles and was rarely seen without a crossword, jumble, or cryptoquote in hand. He was also fond of movies, especially westerns and musicals. His contagious laugh was the first to echo off the walls at classic slapstick routines. Rusty enjoyed refinishing antique furniture and crafting items from driftwood. His handiness extended to the renovation of older homes he and his wife undertook in New Hampshire and Pennsylvania.

 During his lifetime, Rusty gave greatly to the community and was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he served faithfully over the years. Always ready to act or offer a word of council, many counted him a reliable friend. As proven throughout his life, Rusty always made the sacrifice for those around him, be they stranger or dear, no matter the cost to himself; and he did it without falter.

 Rusty was preceded in death by his parents Larry and Betty, and is survived by his wife, Nancy, their five children, Brian (Maggi), Jason (Karen), Kristin (Mike), Megan (Ramsey), and Karen, his three sisters, Terry, Sandy (Pete), and Kathy (Bill), and fourteen grandchildren.

 A private funeral service will be held by the family, with a public memorial to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to The Four Seasons hospice care at 571 South Allen Road, Flatrock, NC 28731 or donated online at www.FourSeasonsCFL.org.

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