John Delmas "Rusty" Hancock, 64, passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2021. Viewing was Thursday, February 18, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Horizon Funeral Home. There was a gathering honoring Rustys life and ministry on Friday, February 19, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Lincoln Street Baptist Church where Wayne Lidster officiated. Burial followed at Memorial Park Cemetery. Rusty was born May 22, 1956 in Dalhart, Texas to Vera (Firestone) Hancock and John Hancock, while his dad was fishing. He graduated from Dalhart High School in 1974 and attended West Texas State University. Rusty married Celle Ritchey, his biggest supporter, on April 14, 1977. They were loving partners for 43 years. After having 3 children, Rusty was called into the ministry full time and to Hardin Simmons University in 1982, graduating in 1986. Rustys life was always about making sure people were taken care of. As a dad, pops, the word was "No" followed by the reason and I Love You. As grandad and uncle the word was always "Yes", where do we find it and lets go. Rusty was called to his home church, Lincoln Street Baptist Church, where he served for 23 years. As a pastor his church family was always on his heart to make sure their spiritual and physical needs were being met with Gods ever present will and guidance. As a Hospice and Hospital Chaplin his tender words, warm smile, and willingness to jump up at any hour to help give rides to anywhere or sit with a family during a time of need were some of the times God worked through him best. As a City Council member, Board President of Panhandle Community Services, or a member of a committee or board he was always concerned about the people he served. The community he loved and served honored him in 2015 by making him Citizen of the Year which came as a great surprise to him. As a son, husband, dad, grandad, brother, cousin, uncle, nephew, pastor, or friend his first priority was always the well being of those he loved. As a man after Gods own heart, he never said no and strived to serve, guide, and love his family, church family, and community with all the strength and knowledge God provided. Rusty is survived by his wife Celle of Dalhart, 2 daughters; Trista Hancock and wife Jennifer of North Carolina, Tessa Bradford and husband Kevin of Dalhart, 1 son, Ty Hancock and wife Leah of Dalhart, 9 grandchildren: Isaac, Elise, Josh, Gavin, Lillian, Kenton, Keylee, Lorelai, and Carter, his mother, Vera Hancock of Dalhart, 1 brother, Gary Hancock and wife Eva of Dalhart, 3 sisters: Sheryl Hall and husband Gary of Dalhart, Nikki Frederick and husband Keith of Houston, and Kitty Sanford and husband Tom of Magnolia, several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, church family and friends, mother in law, Mary Lou Ritchey of Dalhart, 2 brother in laws, Wes Ritchey and wife Melissa, Wade Ritchey and wife Melissa of Dalhart, and 1 sister in law Christi Bass and husband John of Fulshear. He is preceded in death by his father John Hancock; his father in law Curtis Ritchey; sister in law Rhonda Hancock. In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations be made to: Lincoln Street Baptist Church childrens ministry or food pantry P.O. Box 669 Dalhart, TX 79022 To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Rusty Hancock, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. Viewing Horizon Funeral Home Thursday, February 18, 2021 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM 701 Elm Ave. Dalhart, Texas 79022 Celebration of Life Lincoln St. Baptist Church Friday, February 19, 2021 2:00 PM 1019 Lincoln St. Dalhart, Texas 79022