John Winston Rucker

John W. Rucker passed away at his home on Saturday, March 21st. He was born March 30,1937, to Winston K and Helen Rucker in KC Mo. John graduated from Southeast High School in Kansas City, Mo. He worked and attended junior college in Kansas City. In 1960 he attended Pittsburg State College, where he became a charter member of the Zeta Iota chapter of Sigma Chi. He met his wife, Judith Salisbury, at Pittsburg where both were education majors.

John graduated from Pittsburg and taught for a semester in Kansas City MO schools, then began a 37-year teaching career for Kansas City, KS public schools. He earned his Master’s degree in education in 1964. He taught industrial arts at Rosedale High School, then taught Air Age Education and drafting at Washington High School until he retired. He was also an assistant swimming coach for the Sumner swim team where Jeff was a swimmer.

John served in the Navy Reserves after high school and during college. While at Pittsburg he enjoyed the friends he made in Sigma Chi; many of those were life-long friends. He married Judith in 1962.

During their fifty-three year marriage, John and Judy enjoyed camping, traveling, and being with friends. John will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and love of jokes. He had a great smile and sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife, his three children: Kelle Osburn, Jeffrey Rucker, and John C. Rucker; six grandchildren, and a sister, Judy Novak, who lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Funeral services will be held at Church Of the Resurection in the Wesley Chapel, 135th and Roe Ave.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, gifts be given to CurePSP, 30 E. Padonia Road, Suite 201, Timonium, MD 21093.