Carl Russell “Rusty” Postlewate, Former USM Physical Plant Director, Dies May 21

Fri, 06/03/2022 - 08:51am | By: David Tisdale

A funeral Mass was held June 3 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Buford, Georgia for Carl Russell “Rusty” Postlewate, former director of The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Physical Plant, who died at his home in Buford May 21. He was 76.

A native of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Postlewate held a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Arkansas and a master’s degree in systems management from the University of Southern California. He served as director of the USM Physical Plant from 2004-2010, overseeing multiple campus construction and renovation projects, as well as helping lead the university’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Postlewate was retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), achieving Senior Executive Service status, and had an impressive resume of worldwide assignments in the engineering, construction and facilities management area with multiple governmental agencies. In addition to USM, he also served as a facilities director for Oakland University in Michigan and the University of Maryland in Baltimore. He was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Buford.

“He was great to work with, open-minded to other people’s suggestions and had a great rapport with everyone,” said former University Police Department Chief Bob Hopkins. “He did a great job of helping us get back on our feet after the storm (Katrina). He had boots on the ground in every area where they were needed. I don’t think we could have gotten back on track as fast as we did without him.”

Current and former USM Physical Plant employees have similar praise for Postlewate, including former Project Manager Tommy Roconni; current Associate Director for Facilities & Operations, Housing and Residence Life Rodger Jackson; and current Senior Associate Director David Bounds.

“Katrina was Rusty's first hurricane, and wouldn't you know it had to be a big one,” Roconni said. “About 10 to 15 of us were there on campus when it finally passed through. Rusty ran the office while we ran around checking all buildings for damage. There were long days, but with everyone's help, it was basically cleaned up enough to have the power turned back on by the next Saturday.

“Rusty didn't leave until the last man was gone. He serviced the university well during this time and became an expert by the time it was all cleaned up on all campus. He brought water out to all in the field, and stayed late with Turner Jones and I as we did our estimates of the damage. It sure was great to have him there.”

Jackson said Postlewate “was here from daylight to dark for nearly two weeks during the initial response after Hurricane Katrina.”

“Although none of us had ever experienced that type of damage, Rusty was never rattled,” Jackson continued. “In fact, he was calm and methodical in his response, not only making sure the needs of all campuses were met but also ensuring that each member of our team received necessities so they could work without worrying about their families at home.”

Bounds’ career with the Physical Plant began when Postlewate hired him to be a project coordinator in 2007. “He was a great mentor and teacher and helped me build a solid foundation in project management and navigating the complicated IHL and Bureau of Building processes,” Bounds said. “His last major project was Century Park North, and I thoroughly enjoyed working and learning from him. Without hesitation, I can say he was instrumental in my success at Southern Miss.” 

Postlewate is survived by his wife, Margie Merdes Postlewate; daughters and sons-in-law, Jana and Michael Lampe; Rachel and Michael Roeder; and Megan and Chad Luce; brother, Richard Postlewate; sisters, Maureen Warren, and Tammy Jackson; sister and brother-in-law, Vickie and Shane Skelley; grandchildren, Marin Lampe, Cameron Roeder, Nicholas Roeder, Melana Lampe, Lily Roeder, Ayrton Luce, Eden Luce, and Stella Luce.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Donna Hayes.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Postlewate may be made to St. Vincent De Paul Prince of Peace, 6439 Spout Springs Rd. Flowery Branch, GA 30542.