Eugene Delbert Rummel

His life was filled with love for his Savior, his wife and family, his work as a public servant, and his numerous volunteer activities. He was a witnessing Christian, a loving husband and father, a patriot, a hard worker, and he had a great sense of humor.

He was born in Vernon Texas on January 20, 1934 to Robert and Blandine Rummel of the Five-In-One community. His childhood was spent on a sand farm where he did the various activities of gathering eggs, digging potatoes, chopping and picking cotton, bailing hay, and taking care of animals.

Gene graduated from Lockett High School where he enjoyed basketball, 4-H clubs, and leadership class activities. He fell in love with Evelyn Rose Foerster his sophomore year of high school and they were married on December 26, 1953. He graduated from Texas Tech University with a BS in Education, Mathematics and Government.

When he graduated from Tech, Gene was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S Air Force and earned his Silver Pilot Wings in 1956. Following 4 years of active duty, he returned to Lubbock where he taught math at Lubbock High School. His last 12 years in the USAF Reserve were spent recruiting and training local county citizens as board members for the Selective Service System. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. In 1962 until his retirement, he was employed by the US Civil Service Commission/OPM which included working in both Dallas Region and Washington D.C. While in Washington D.C. he worked as a staff assistant to the deputy executive director. Upon returning to Dallas, he assumed the duties of Deputy Dallas Regional Director. He is a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute Charlottesville, VA. He was selected as a charter member of the Senior Executive Service and retired in 1989.

Gene loved volunteering. He and Evelyn facilitated weekend marriage enrichment/spiritual experiences with the Aid Association for Lutherans. He served as vice chairman of the Texas Federal Credit Union Board of Directors. Although he never played golf, he was the Chair and leader of 13 highly successful charitable golf tournaments to aid the Nelson Children’s Center for abused and mistreated children. He served as chairman for the East Dallas Chapter of Thrivent for several years. For over 15 years, he worked as a volunteer at Baylor Garland Hospital. On Mondays, he assisted the Chaplain and comforted and prayed with patients and families.

He was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Dallas for over 44 years where he served in a variety of ministry leadership positions including Chairman of Bethel, leading an adult bible study class for over 30 years, and leading weekend retreats at Lake Texhoma.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Evelyn Rummel, his daughters; Debbie Murray (Kirk), Susan Marcy (Steve), his grandchildren; Bryan Murray (Jamie), Amanda Hoffman (Matt ), Charlie Rathgeber, Brady Rathgeber, Allie Austin (Colton), Josh Marcy (Danielle), Andrew Marcy, and Jacob Marcy (Sallie), his great-grandchildren; Savannah and Sawyer Hoffman, and his sister; Carolyn Skov, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

There will be a memorial and gathering to celebrate Gene’s life at a later date.