Harold Lamar Rucker

Harold Lamar Rucker died peacefully on April 21, 2022, with loved ones at his bedside. Born in 1931 to the late Clementine Hawes Rucker and Buford Lamar Rucker, Harold loved to tell tales about old Arizona, especially his time working for Buford at their family service station on Grand Avenue during the Great Depression. A lifelong teacher, Harold served schools in Glendale, California and, for more than 35 years, Alhambra High School in Phoenix. Students in his auto-shop and other vocational education classes still recall the life lessons he taught them. Harold was also a longtime volunteer for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Posse, servicing its automobiles. In his free time, he was a master woodworker, and his family members will cherish the many lovely wood works of art that he created for generations to come.

In addition to his parents, Harold was predeceased by his sister, Nancy. He is survived by children Michael (Kathleen Fairman), daughter Karen Kramer (Don), son Darold (Kathy), grandchildren Scott, Steve, Matthew, James, Jonah, and Kyl, and by two great granddaughters. Throughout his illness, Harold was a model of grace and gratitude. His family will miss him greatly.

A private graveside memorial service was held on Monday, May 16th. The family asks that contributions in Harold’s memory, for those who wish to make them, be sent to Hospice of the Valley at https://www.hov.org/donate/.