Charles Ruckman

Charles "Chuck" Scott Ruckman passed away Saturday, October 3, 2015, at his home in Hobbs NM. He was born January 23, 1931 in McCamey TX. He married Shirley Jean Walther on June 30, 1953 in Clovis NM. Together they raised two daughters, Marcee Ruckman Cramer, of Bailey CO and Kristy Ruckman Snow of Hobbs.

Chuck worked at Exxon for 41 years and then became a consultant and project materials manager. While at Exxon, he lived in Hobbs, Midland and Andrews TX, Casper WY and Santa Maria CA.

Chuck was known for his love of knives, guns, tools, coins and stamps, and crossword puzzles. His passion was words; he collected vintage dictionaries and greatly enjoyed learning about the history of words. He loved to take photographs, some of which have been published. He always had an Ipod filled with music from all genres, and had a lot of fun on his computer, compiling his famous "lists". He never passed a motorcycle without praising it to the owner, and he also never failed to thank anyone in uniform for their service.

Chuck proudly served his country as an airman in the US Air Force. He was stationed at Cape Newenham Air Force Base in Alaska during the Korean War, where he worked on the D.E.W. line.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, J.P. Ruckman and Polly Ruckman, and his sister, Patricia Ruckman Jacobs.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Marcee Cramer and husband Mike of Bailey, CO; Kristy Snow and husband Marvin of Hobbs. He is also survived by his grandchildren Lauren Wegner and husband Dave of Raleigh NC, Kasey Smith and husband Nic of Chanute KS, Barrett Dow of Singapore, Shelley Robertson and husband Jimmy of Plains TX, Leah Dow of Istanbul, and Byron Dow of Arlington TX. Chuck is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Ethan, Chloe, Milo, Bianca, Austin, Owen and Caroline.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be offered to the USO, Disabled American Vets, the Wounded Warrior Project, the U.S. Air Force, or any armed services agency.

A memorial service is planned for a later date.