Russell Dean Alderson

Russell Dean Alderson, known affectionately as Rusty, was born on June 13, 1957, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and passed away on May 23, 2025, in Coleman, Texas. Rusty leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and a passion for life that touched everyone he encountered.

Rusty's educational journey began in Dubuque, Iowa, where he graduated from Dubuque High School. He furthered his education at Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming, and ultimately graduated from Montana State University with a degree in Forest Services and Wildlife Management. His academic pursuits laid the foundation for a fulfilling career for forty years in the swimming pool industry as a sales representative and manager at Poolquip, and then retiring with RayPak in 2018 to care for his parents in Coleman during the last stages of their lives.

In his younger days, Rusty aspired to conquer the rodeo arena. He competed in saddle bronc riding at numerous major rodeos across the United States for over 20 years, embracing the cowboy way of life with great fervor. Despite the many injuries sustained throughout his rodeo career, Rusty cherished the memories he created during those times, reveling in the bond he shared with his beloved horses, whom he regarded as integral members of his family.

Rusty's personality radiated with brightness and love; he was known for his welcoming smile and warm handshake. His spirit of generosity extended beyond his family, as he consistently offered his assistance to friends and neighbors, whether lending a helping hand or including others in prayer.

Rusty married Nancy Karen Webb on November 1, 1997, in Tomball, Texas. Together, they shared a life enriched by their faith, as members of First Baptist Church in Coleman, while also attending First Methodist Church and Hords Creek Cowboy Church. In 2021, Rusty and his loving wife, Nancy, made Coleman their full-time home, where they lived on a ranch that Rusty dearly cherished.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Alderson, and his son by marriage, Jason Paul Dyer of Converse, along with his two cherished grandchildren, Jonathan Rhys Dyer and Cameron Paul Dyer. Rusty is further survived by his brother, Michael Alderson and wife Kar of Seattle, and two nieces, Anna Alderson-Josephson and Siri Alderson.

Rusty is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne David Alderson and Ola Jean Smith Alderson.

A memorial service celebrating Rusty’s remarkable life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 200 E. College Avenue, in Coleman with Dr. Chas Shira and Rev. Richard Hetzel officiating. Services are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home, 400 W. Pecan Street, in Coleman.

Russell Dean Alderson will be deeply missed, but his joyful spirit and the memories he created throughout his life will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

The family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made in memory of Rusty to the Coleman County Junior Rodeo Association, 1348 County Road 302, Gouldbusk, Texas 76845.

We invite you to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Alderson family by signing the guestbook on Rusty’s tribute page at www.stevensfuneralhome.com. Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Alderson family.