About Richard "Rich" Dust

Richard “Rich” Dust grew up in Lansing and graduated from T.F. South High School, where he ran cross country and track. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Valparaiso University. He returned to T.F. South High School as a social studies teacher in 1969, where he taught for 37 years and coached boys’ and girls’ cross country and track for many years, as well as girls’ softball for several seasons. He was known for his humor and fun-loving spirit and care for his students and athletes. He is remembered for founding the T.F. South cross country invitational that now bears his name and for being an early advocate for girls’ athletics, coaching girls along with boys before cross country was officially designated as a girls’ high school sport. In 2022, Rich was inducted into the T.F. South Athletic Wall of Fame, and in 2023, it was announced that the new T.F. South track will be named in his honor.

Rich’s “second act” (retirement) was almost as full as his professional career. He served on the Board of Education for Thornton Fractional High School District 215 for 14 years, including several years as President. During this time, he was known for his advocacy for increased rigor in the college preparatory curriculum and the expansion of vocational offerings at all schools in the district. In addition, Rich served the Lansing community as a member of the Lansing Historical Society, L.A.C.E., and Common Ground. He continued his sports involvement as an IHSA official for track, cross country, swimming, and diving.

Rich was a member of the Lansing United Methodist Church since 1984, where he volunteered in many capacities, including as a youth group leader and participant in the Appalachia Service Project, which he took part in for 20 years. Later in life, through church, he delivered Meals on Wheels and helped implement Walkover Wednesdays to provide recreational activities for T.F. South students on early dismissal days.

In retirement, Rich and Barb had many international travel adventures and enjoyed caring for their grandchildren and following their many activities. As a husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach, and community servant, Rich will be remembered for the positive impact he made on so many lives. His patience, integrity, humility, compassion, and sense of humor will be long remembered.

Richard Dust passed away peacefully in his home on January 26, 2024, after a struggle with multiple myeloma and its complications.