Millard Rufus

J. M. “Mickey” Rufus passed away at his home in Itmann, WV, where he has lived since the early 50’s. Mickey was unmarried and had a long successful working career over 57 years with the railroad company at Elmore, near his home as the railroad clerk. He loved to travel, play golf, and attend WVU football games. He interacted with all his friends, family and working buddies with his positive, friendly attitude and winning smile. He started his long active working life at the Mullens KoKoMo Restaurant/Fountain as a soda jerk while in high school. He continued on his path at the railroad before entering the military. His best friend, Dornie Broyles and himself was drafted in March 1953 together. They completed their basic training at Parris Island, SC by June 1953. He was then shipped to Korea near the end of that conflict. He returned to the states and was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA where he continued to strive to be the best working as DNE Base Military (MP) Police and in his past time there he coached the basketball team. From California to Norfolk, VA Naval Base, where he became the manager of the base commissary until his honorable discharge at the rank of Sargent. He returned home in Itmann and continued working with the railroad company. Along that path he worked various jobs, such as dry cleaning delivery driver, Wallace Canteen, Mountaineer Drive-In and many others. Mickey loved his community and all his neighbors, friends and all the fellow railroaders. He also had a large immediate family with six sisters and five brothers to deal with. After his cremation, his wishes were to have some of his ashes spread over two areas of the Elmore Railroad Yard and over his buddy “Poncho” his dog of many years which is buried behind his house. His final resting place will be in the Wiley Bower Cemetery located in the Twin Falls State park, where his mother, father, grandmother and grandfather, oldest brother, an uncle and an aunt are buried. Thanks goes out to all his friends, neighbors and railroad buddies that had contact with him. We all love you Mick, R.I.P. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Saturday, December 27, 2014 in the Calfee Funeral Service Chapel, Pineville. Online guest book may be signed at www.calfeefuneralservice.com. Calfee Funeral Service of Pineville is serving the Rufus family.