Gary Kay Rude graduated to Heaven on June 30th, 2023, after living a long and creative life filled with music, art, Jesus, and family. He was born in Plainview Texas on March 2nd, 1950, and it was there he met and fell in love with his wife of over 50 years, Cathy Sue Allen Rude. They were married in Plainview on September 27th, 1971, and went on to tour several universities in Texas and finally graduated from Texas A&M university with a BA in horticulture in 1977. He was a self-employed carpenter in the West Houston, Katy area for many years and helped countless families make their home renovation dreams come true. He was a skilled wood worker and had a keen eye for structural integrity and design. Gary was also a very gifted musician. From playing guitar and writing silly songs for his kids on the front porch to serving in the local church worship ministry for decades, his music inspired people to find the beauty in life and connect with the peace of Jesus. He was an avid photographer and talented digital artist who explored various mediums as he sought to creatively express himself over the years. Gary “Pop” also had a killer sense of humor and when he spoke up, you knew it was going to be something funny or important- so you’d better listen!
In the early 2000’s Gary was involved in a unique men’s ministry called “Wild at Heart” and poured into the lives of his peers and young men in his community. He also enjoyed life-long friendships from the “Loch Maree days”, Bear Creek Community Church, New Covenant and Faith West Church. In most recent years, he was deeply involved in the prayer ministry at his local church, Grace Fellowship, as a Stephen’s minister and Prophetic Prayer minister. Gary wanted others to experience the comfort and peace that he had found in his pursuit of Jesus, the Beautiful Man, and made himself available to others to share his authentic experiences and struggles through life with compassion, grace, and gentleness. He was also passionate about the wonder and awe-inspiring word of God as he shared in Prophetic ministry, always being vulnerable and brave to share what he was seeing/hearing. He was so gifted in this. No matter how unusual or “out there,” people would comment that Gary could somehow communicate exactly what they needed to hear deep in their hearts.
He is survived by his loving wife of almost 52 years, Cathy Allen Rude, daughters Amanda Lauren Hail, Rebekah Carole Vinyard, and Meredith Eve Rude, sons Jordan Taylor Rude, Caleb Daniel Rude, and Jacob Benjamin Rude. Also, sons in law Kevin Hail, John Vinyard, and daughters in law Ellen Watkins Rude and Samantha Jackson Rude and grandchildren Eliana Claire Hail, Colin Micah Hail, Oliver "Olive" Vinyard, Silas Jackson Rude, Felix Everest Vinyard, Kai Rocket Rude, and Jayden James Rude.