Col. Allen Rush

Col. Allen Rush, 98, passed away in Topeka, Kansas on December 2, 2018. He was born January 7, 1920, in Chanute, Kansas to Albert and Carrie Camp Rush. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Mary Hill Rush, their son, Michael Rush, and his sister, Helen Rush. Col. Rush is survived by his wife of 40 years, Evelyn Kelly Luttjohann Rush; three sons, James Rush (Ann), Thomas Rush (Barbara) and Mark Rush (Ann); two step-children, Charls Luttjohann (Pat) and Debra McKenzie (Don); 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; and daughter-in-law, Carol Rush. He was a graduate of Chanute High School, Chanute Junior College and the FBI Academy in Washington D.C. He served our country in the United States Navy during WWII. Col. Rush joined the Kansas Highway Patrol in October of 1947 and was promoted through the ranks. On June 1, 1961, he was promoted to Assistant Superintendent. In 1975 was appointed by Republican Governor Robert Bennett as Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol and was reappointed by Democratic Governor John Carlin. He received commendations for his service from Governors Bennett, Carlin, Hayden, Docking and Anderson. Col. Rush retired with 35 years of service. He was a guest lecturer throughout the United States, including the Kansas Police Academy, Southern Police Institute of Louisville, Kentucky and the Washburn University School of Law. He also addressed two national conventions, the International Association of Chiefs of Police in Miami, Florida and the Public Personnel Administrators International Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Col. Rush served as president of the Kansas Peace Officers Association, FBI National Academy Association and was chairman of Topeka Crime Stoppers as a charter member. During Col. Rush’s service he was a tireless advocate for improving compensation for members of the Kansas Highway Patrol and improving the professionalism, training and education of law enforcement officers. He was instrumental in bringing the Patrol into classified service, enhancing the retirement system for its members and their dependents, adoption of compulsory education requirements for Kansas police officers and establishment of the Kansas Police Academy. The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation presented Col Rush, at the age of 96, with a long overdue marksmanship award which he had earned in 1952 at the FBI Academy. Col. Rush was a man of great integrity who helped shape the Kansas Highway Patrol into a law enforcement agency that is recognized and respected as one of the best in the United States. Until the day he died, Col. Rush loved the Highway Patrol and was proud of its service to the citizens of Kansas. Col. Rush was a life member of the Peace Officers Association, Arab Shrine, Legion of Honor and Nomads Campers of the Arab Shrine and a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. He loved outdoor activities, golfing, hunting and fishing in Alaska, gardening and especially raising tomatoes to give to neighbors and friends. He was a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He and Evelyn enjoyed their retirement years together traveling world-wide as well as thousands of miles throughout the United States in their RV. Family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, December 6, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, December 7, at the Church. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or to Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614.

Col. Allen Rush

January 7, 1920 - December 2, 2018