Rusty Teston

Roy Russell Teston, most commonly known as "Rusty" to anyone that crossed his path, was embraced by Jesus in the early morning hours on November 2, 2023. He passed peacefully and free of pain in the comfort of his own home, with the one he loved "more than mostest" by his side. He was 69.

Rusty was born in Houston on January 30, 1954, to Roy and Irene Teston. An only child, many of his younger years were spent with cousins and a close friend, Charlie Jordan, raising hell and trying not to get caught. Employed by Krogers in the late 70's as a butcher, a spark for something greater was ignited. Rusty moved to Centerville in 1981, and after a brief business venture, began working for Carter's Supermarket in Madisonville. The year was 1983.

By 1986, that spark was a full on flame. Rusty Teston opened a little white shack on the northeast corner of I-45 and Hwy 7, cooking at night and selling bbq and sno-cones during the day. Country Cousins BBQ was born.

Outgrowing the white shack by 1990, he expanded into what most remember as "the little red bbq shack." By the year 2000, he had moved the red shack across the street where the now current Country Cousins BBQ restaurant remains, built circa 2017.

Rusty loved all things barbecue. His passion for the industry and his love for all people was evident as he greeted every customer with a genuine smile, and as he would literally stop work to hold a conversation. Rusty Teston will surely live on in the big red restaurant he was so proud to have constructed, from the vintage signs on the wall, to the handcrafted tables, to the "pull up a chair and visit" atmosphere.

But when he was not working or visiting with customers, he also loved to fish. It was rare to catch him without a fishing pole in his truck, and he would drop his chores for a chance to fish with his grandkids. High on his to-do list after getting better was to actually take them fishing again.

Rusty was well known and very well loved, not only in this community, but all over. Never meeting a stranger, he could hold a conversation about literally anything, but would usually have to lean over and ask "What's their name again?"

Rusty Teston will best be remembered for his barbecue, his infectious smile, his fun loving "still a kid" personality, his giving heart, his love for his family, and his deep faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. (And also his sometimes questionable taste in music, as well as his remarkable ability to run late for Every. Single. Thing).

He leaves behind his love, his partner in crime, and his best friend, Linda Isbell; sons by love, Shane Isbell (Lynne) and Jarrett Hollier (Karen); daughter by love, Lindsey Isbell Watson (Corby); and grandchildren, Kenzie Isbell, Travis Isbell, Christopher Torres, Clara Watson, Whitt Watson and Courtney Sanders.

The family welcomes you to join them at Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas, Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 11 A.M. to celebrate all things Rusty. Services will be live streamed for those unable to attend. A time of visitation and fellowship will take place Monday, November 6, 2023 from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the funeral home.  Rusty will be laid to rest in New Salem Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Shane Isbell, Johnny Murff, Jarrett Hollier, Don Ferguson, Edmund Clark, Jacob Dunn

Honorary Pallbearers: Christopher Torres, Phillip Whitworth, Tommy Pouland, Ronald Gregory, Paul Brown, Jameson Murff, John Ross Murff, Mark Collins (deceased), Michael Collins, Glen Collins, Dale Collins, Kevin Murphy, Brian Jones, Ron Farley, Alan Isbell

In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider memorial donations to the Centerville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 340, Centerville, Texas 75833. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.