Gene Rucker

On Aug. 16th, Gene William Rucker, beloved Husband, Father & Grandfather joined his family & friends in Heaven. What a glorious reunion !

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 48 years, Patty (Bratcher) Rucker, his son David Shawn Rucker, daughter Kaci Dawn Oldham & her husband Matlock, grandson William Riley Rucker, granddaughter Kathryn Elaine Oldham, all residing in Hobbs, NM. also step granddaughter Taelor Quinn Oldham from Odessa, Tx.

Gene was predeceased by both of his parents Claud & Ruby Rucker in 1968, his brother Stuart, and his sister Claudine, In laws D.O."Coonie" and Kathryn Coyle. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his Sister In Law, Jane Rucker, of Grand Prairie, Tx and numerous special cousins, nieces & nephews.

Their family may be small in number, but they have so many close friends who have been considered family too. Saint Christopher Episcopal church members, retired Hobbs Fire Department members who served with Gene throughout the years. Because of their love for music, The Texas Tenor's & Tenorettes are their "extended family" members, from all over the USA, Australia & Scotland . During the past eight years, both Gene & Patty (Katy too) have enjoyed going to their concerts and meeting their ever-growing fan base, who follow them.

Gene was born in Portales, NM on September 4, 1947. Later , his parents moved to Santa Fe, NM and then to Lovington where he attended Lovington Public Schools from the 5th grade, until he graduated from LHS in 1965. He then went Eastern New Mexico University, where he studied music & met "the love of his life". He came back to Lovington & attended NMJC for a year, & also The College of the Southwest for a semester. He joined the Army National Guard in 1967, taking his basic training in Ft. Bragg, NC, then he served in the guard for the next 6 years.

In 1969 Gene purchased Johnnie's Floral in Lovington, NM and when he & Patty married in 1970, they continued to operate the flower shop with the help of Wanda Williams, Nita Irwin and other faithful employees for almost 20 years. Their customers became lifelong friends.

In 1974 Gene went to work for the Hobbs Fire Department, where he served continuously for the next 23 years. He worked his way up from Rookie, to Driver Engineer, IV Tech, Lieutenant at Station #2 & #3, to his final position of Shift Captain at "Main" Station where he remained, until his retirement. After spending all of these years together, he continued to this day having a special bond with his firefighters, and smiled when they called him Captain Rucker. He retired in 1996 to become a full time "Poppy" and care giver to his new grandson, William Riley. He often said this was his favorite job, to be a Dad and Grandfather.

The Hobbs Fire Department Honor Guard will serve as Gene's pallbearers, with his special 4 legged companion & best friend Bandit, Tommy Jay, Matlock Oldham, William Riley Rucker, Kathryn (Katy) Oldham , Shawn Necaise, and Ray Du Plesis serving as Honorary Pallbearers.

It was Gene's wish for all of those attending his funeral to wear RED if possible, to honor the Fire Department, that he loved so much.

Visitation

Chapel of Hope
3321 N. Dal Paso
Hobbs, NM  88240
Monday, August 20, 2018
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Chapel of Hope
3321 N. Dal Paso
Hobbs, NM  88240
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Service

Funeral Service

St Christophers Episcopal Church
207 E Permian Dr.
Hobbs, NM  88240
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
2:00 pm

Cemetery

Prairie Haven Cemetery
2201 E. Stanolind
Hobbs, NM  88240