Wallace Uldean Breeden, also known as Rusty, was born on January 24th, 1957, in Enid, Oklahoma, at Vance Air Force Base to Marilyn and Ben Breeden. The nickname "Rusty" was how family and friends always addressed him, though where it came from still remains a mystery. Rusty faced challenges early on in life due to complications resulting in hydrocephalus, which led to a learning disability. Despite these obstacles, he defied medical expectations, surpassing initial predictions of a short lifespan to live a remarkable 67+ years, touching many lives along the way. God had a purpose in placing Rusty on this earth. A true lover of life, he never allowed his disability to hinder him. Every day Rusty reminded us that compassion and kindness area among life's most important virtues. Funeral services will begin 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 8, 2024 at the Strode Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

Throughout his life, Rusty remained active and engaged until his health declined in his final years, eventually requiring a wheelchair. He enthusiastically participated in the Special Olympics every year. Rusty ran, jumped, and threw balls, however, beyond the competitions among his peers, he delighted in social events like dances, where he enjoyed flirting and showing off his dance moves to the ladies.

Rusty worked at the sheltered workshop for several years, making lifelong friendship and always having a story to share about his coworkers or his job. He was the biggest fan of OSU sports, particularly football, with basketball as a close second. He also passionately supported the OKC Thunder even on their bad days. His favorite television shows were "Chicago PD" and "NCIS", and he had a deep love of music, often singing and dancing along, even from his wheelchair when his health no longer allowed him to stand.

In addition to an active social life, Rusty was a familiar voice in the CB radio community, known as "Tea Lover", and later transitioned to a scanner enthusiast. He could still recall to this day many if the CB handles of the people he communicated with. Rusty kept his mother, Marilyn and his sister Donna, informed about local events in Stillwater, including when his sister Bonnie had a shoplifter at Walls.

Rusty never failed to turn a stranger into a friend. In recent months, Rusty spent considerable time in the hospital, particularly on the third floor of Stillwater Medical Center, where the doctors and nurses knew him well. The medical staff cared for him with incredible kindness and compassion. Rusty loved all the doctors, but his favorite was always Dr. Baugher ("bow-er"). He always asked his medical team how they were doing today and thanked them when they would wake him to give him his medicine or to simply take his vitals. Despite these health challenges, Rusty continued to bring joy to those around him at the Life Center Adult Daycare, where he entertained others with his infectious spirit.

In his last two years, his sister Barbara and brother-in-law Rick, who were the heroes in his life, took complete care of him, especially after their mother's passing. Living with them, Rusty was always surrounded by Barbara's children and grandchildren, who always made time for a visit and quick hug.
Rusty's capacity for love and kindness was endless. Rusty was always kind and thoughtful, the glue that held our family together, and truly the best among us all. As we mourn his passing, we celebrate Rusty's journey to his heavenly home, confident that he is reunited with his mother and sister while talking to God and walking with Jesus.

Rusty was preceded in death by several loved ones, including his grandmother and grandfather Viola and Dee Wilkins; his sister Donna Silkwood; his brother-in-law Philip Ventris; his nephew Jimmy Lee Slavens Jr.; his great-great-niece Taylor Greenfield; and his beloved mother Marilyn Chace, who's passing deeply affected him.

Rusty is survived by his relative's Ronnie Wilkins Sr, and sister-in law-Tammy Wilkins of Stillwater; his sisters Bonnie Forester of Stillwater, Barbara Ventris and brother-in-law Rick Ventris of Perkins, Jeanie Ventris of Perkins, Sonya Camren and brother-in-law Eric Camren of Stillwater; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews, across Oklahoma, Texas, New York, and New Mexico, all of whom he loved dearly.