Allan Bennett "Rus" Wester, Jr.

Allan Bennett Wester, Jr. of Monrovia, Maryland—affectionately known as “Rusty” or “Rus”—passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the age of 77. He was the oldest son of Dolores and Allan “Big Al” Wester, and brother to Sandy Coleman, Roger Wester, Randy Wester, Katie Neal, and Victoria Griggs.

Born on September 24, 1947, in Georgetown, South Carolina, Rus spent his formative years in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he attended St. Pius X School, Jesuit High School, and Loyola University. He cherished his New Orleans roots and the lifelong friendships he built there.

A graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Rus was an ambitious entrepreneur, founding his own consulting firm (Wester Advertising) at just 24 before transitioning into corporate advertising. His career led him and his family to Detroit, where he filmed commercials and created national print ads for automotive giants like Chrysler and Ford. His advertising work later took him and his family to Richmond, Virginia, and Fort Myers, Florida.

In addition, Rus had a deep passion for broadcasting, which led him to travel internationally with his sports-broadcasting hall of famer father, as a radio producer with their company USCGN on the PGA, LPGA, and USGA golf tours. Later in life, he found fulfillment as a writer and publisher, primarily focusing on religious materials. He also embraced the Christmas spirit wholeheartedly, becoming well known as the “Deluxe Santa,” bringing joy to many during the holiday season.

A devout Catholic, Rus was deeply involved at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Montgomery Village, Maryland, where he was instrumental in the perpetual adoration ministry and an active Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. A man of many interests and skills, his love for music and the arts shone through in his contributions to community theater and tenure as stage manager for the Floating Opera Orchestra for more than 25 years. Ever the raconteur, he especially delighted in sharing the story of his small but cherished role in the Steven Spielberg movie “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”

Since 1984, Rus called Maryland home. It was here he met the love of his life, Sandra, while volunteering for their daughters’ elementary school. Their blended family was his greatest source of pride, and the love and partnership he and Sandra cultivated was the cornerstone of his happiness. Rus is survived by his loving wife, Sandra L. Wester, and his daughters: Lauren McDermott, Ashley Bailey (Patrick), Corinne Dreskin, and Allison Jewell (Brandon). He was the proud grandfather, known as Granddad or Pop, to Clark, Gabrielle, Rooney, McKenna, Marin, Remy, and Hendrix. He joins his precious granddaughter, Reese Olivia Bailey, in Heaven.

Rus will be remembered as someone who put others first, constantly sought ways to bring people together, and feed them using his talents as a chef! His love of God, humor, and

unwavering devotion to family and friends were among his most treasured gifts. Rus’s warmth, wisdom, and generosity will be dearly missed, but his spirit will live in the hearts of all who knew him.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 26, from 1 to 2 PM at Stauffer Funeral Home, 8 E. Ridgeville Boulevard, Mt. Airy.  A memorial service will immediately follow at 2:00 PM in the chapel of the funeral home.