Melvin Curtis Rucker, Sr.

© The Guthrie News Leader

Tuesday, July 8, 2003

Submitted by: Tammie Chada

Funeral services for Melvin Curtis Rucker, Sr. 67, of Guthrie will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 10, 2003 at Smith Funeral Chapel, 220 N. First St., Guthrie with the Rev. Ray Peters, Jr., pastor of the Mt. Olive Friendship Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens Memorial Park under the direction of Smith Funeral Home.

Melvin was born March 4, 1936 in Guthrie to Oscar A. and Bessie Irene (Thomas) Rucker. He passed away Sunday, July 6, 2003.

Melvin attended Page Elementary School and Faver Jr. and Sr. High School in Guthrie. While attending Faver, Melvin, a talented musician, played the guitar and drums for the school band. As a child, Melvin accepted Christ and united with the Mt. Olive Friendship Baptist Church, where he was baptized by the late Rev. Henry Burleigh.

"Sonny," as Melvin was affectionately called by his loving family, helped raise his younger brothers and sisters. In 1962, he united with Alice McGarrity, and to this union one son was born.

Melvin enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps in 1953, serving as a diesel mechanic and a member of the Marine Band. He faithfully served his country for six years. He was employed by the Kerr-McGee Corporation for several years and Vic Woods Auto Service for many years. Melvin was an auto mechanic expert and skilled craftsman.

Among those he leaves to cherish his memory are Alice, his devoted friend and caregiver; one son, Melvin Rucker, Jr. (Crystal) of Winona, Kan.; one stepdaughter, Gwendolyn McCarroll (Gregory) of Edmond; five grandchildren, Travis, Micah, Chelsey, Eric and Aaron of Winona, Kan.; four brothers, Vernon Rucker (Dee) of Alva, Norval Rucker of Phoenix, Ariz, James Ray Rucker and Alfred Rucker of Dallas; one sister, Cadelia Rucker of Oklahoma City; three special nieces, Olga Dewberry, Electra Kay Dewberry and Jocelyn Alexander; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, three sisters and three brothers.

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