Richard "Gus" Henry Gustafson

Richard Henry Gustafson, known to family and friends as Gus, passed away on May 21, 2026, in Marianna, Florida, at the age of 87. He was born on April 28, 1939, in Conneaut, Ohio, and lived a life marked by devotion to his family and service to his country.

Gus attended Green Acres School in Lake Worth and Lake Worth High School. He later answered the call to serve his nation by joining the Army, and served for three years as a paratrooper, including time in Vietnam.  Gus began his career working for Keller, installing window's and door's before working with Lion Country Safari for 20 years, where he helped retrieve animals from around the world; including lions, elephants, bears, and tigers. Known as one of the best animal handlers, Gus was also hired by the Ivan Tours Movie Studio to train "Gentle Ben", a bear that was the star of the movie. His work with animals was a source of pride and reflected his compassion, patience, and willingness to help and train animals. In 2000, he moved to Jackson County and retired after working for the United States Postal Service.

Faith was an important part of Gus’s life. He was a member of Pilgrim Rest Assembly of God Church and was a proud drummer until his health declined. He found joy in simple pleasures and treasured time spent with loved ones, especially a memorable 17-day camping and fishing trip with his son, Joe,  down the Suwannee River.

Gus was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Elsie Nelson Gustafson; his sons, Erik Gustafson and Robert Gustafson Hudson; his grandchildren, JC Thomas, II and Richie Thomas; and his sister, Donna Mae Register, and her husband, Johnny. 

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nonie Gustafson; his son, Joseph Thomas and his wife, Mary; granddaughter, Sophia Rose Hudson; his brother, Raymond Gustafson and his wife, Kitty; and his nieces and nephews, Karin Cabrera (Carlos), Linda Register, Sharon Headlee, Steven Register, Suzi Larson (Mike), Joni and Woot.

Funeral services with be 10:00 AM, Friday, May 29, 2026 at Pilgrim Rest Assembly of God Church with Pastor Ben Peters officiating. Interment will follow in Vickery Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Lambe Family at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home.

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