Rusty Allen Cloninger, 56, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away on Monday, July, 13, 2026.

Rusty was born on January 10, 1970, in Malvern, Arkansas, to David Allen Cloninger and Marilyn Lorraine Cloninger. He graduated from Malvern High School in 1988 and soon after answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy.

Rusty was a proud Navy veteran who served as a Gunner's Mate aboard the USS Ogden during Operation Desert Storm. His military service took him to many places across the country and provided him with experiences and friendships that remained meaningful throughout his life.

Following his service in the Navy, Rusty began his career at General Cable and later worked as an electrician at Reynolds, where he finished his career. His mechanical talents extended far beyond his career, and whether it was electrical work, engines, or boats, there wasn't much he couldn't repair. Family, friends, and neighbors knew they could always count on him to lend a helping hand.

Rusty was a faithful member of Kentucky Missionary Baptist Church in Benton, Arkansas. He treasured time spent with his family and especially enjoyed traveling with his wife and making memories hunting and fishing with his sons, and attending his grandchildren's ball games and activities. His greatest joy was being a husband, father, and grandfather.

Rusty was preceded in death by his father, David Allen Cloninger, and his mother, Marilyn Lorraine Cloninger.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Lori Cloninger of Benton, Arkansas; sons, Brett Cloninger (Abby) of Benton, Arkansas, and Brandon Cloninger (Kristin) of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; his beloved grandchildren, Parker Kate, Harper, Beau, and Brooks, sister Christi Cloninger (Marcus Tankersley) of Camden Arkansas; nephew, Cord Cloninger (Caitlin) of Blue Ridge, Virginia; niece, Kristen Munz (Jon) of Malvern; as well as many cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Regency Funeral Home in Malvern, Arkansas. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. officiated by Donny Haynes at Regency Funeral Home.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bruce Fuller, Cord Cloninger, Tom Becker, Ricky Pope, Tony Fielding, Ricky Smith, Burton Latture, Kent Kile, Grant Kile, Jimmy Robbins, Mark Efird, Barry Efird, Keith Robbins, and Jay Eisenhower.

Rusty's legacy of service, faith, hard work, and devotion to his family will live on in all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at donorservices.alz.org.

Arrangements are by Regency Funeral Home.  You may sign the guest book at regencyfuneralhome.com.