Howard Russell "Rusty" Spikes, age 74, of Archer City passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2025, in Wichita Falls.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 25, 2025, in the Archer City Cemetery with Donny Haywood, Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Archer City, officiating.  Arrangements are under the direction of Aulds Funeral Home of Archer City.

Rusty was born December 3, 1950 to the late Billy Gene Spikes and Dorothy Faye Campbell Spikes in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  He grew up in Eagles Nest, New Mexico on the Lebus Ranch and graduated from Cimarron High School.  After graduation, he attended Sul Ross University in Alpine.  He then moved to Colorado and was drafted into the Army where he proudly served his country in the Artillery Unit.  He was stationed at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, Ft Ord, California and Bamberg, Germany.  While in Europe, he helped organize the European Rodeo Association. After his tour of duty, Rusty worked on several ranches in Wyoming, New Mexico, Kansas, Colorado and Texas.

Rusty served on the Cowboy Exhibit & Auction True Art Committee in Wichita Falls.  He also judged Rodeo Queen Contests and did Chuck Wagon Cooking.  In April 2017, Rusty was the spokesperson for the Western Heritage Days in Archer City.

In 2013, he met Janis Gaulden at a rodeo dance.  They married in Archer City on December 13, 2014, "12,13,14" which Rusty said would never come again. Rusty and Janis enjoyed Western Swing Dance Festivals and made many meaningful and lasting friendships.  He wrote and recited Cowboy Poetry and enjoyed doing leatherwork.  Rusty worked in various western stores and was always the hat shaper.

Survivors include his wife, Janis Gaulden Spikes of Archer City; brother, Guy Spikes and wife, Donna of Seymour; sister, Penny Eaton of Benjamin; daughter, Sammie Colleen Spikes of Amarillo; brother-in-law, Cal Gaulden of North Archer County; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rusty was also preceded in death by his brother, Timothy Lane "Ty" Spikes on May 26, 2018' and his favorite horse of twenty-two years, Pedro, in December 2024.

The family suggests memorials to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1414, Archer City, Texas 76351 or the Archer City Volunteer Fire Department First Responders, P.O. Box 367, Archer City, Texas 76351.