Obituary -- Galen Ruckman 1927-2016

Galen Lee Ruckman of Allendale, Missouri was born February 10, 1927 on the family farm in rural Worth County to Lawrence and Martha (Stevens) Ruckman.  He passed away April 24, 2016 at Harrison County Community Hospital at the age of 89.

            

Galen graduated from Grant City High School.  He married fellow classmate and high school sweetheart, Betty Carroll on August 25, 1945 in Troy, Kansas.  To this union three children were born.  Michael Lee, Sue Carroll and Robin Wray.

            

As a teen he carried mail on horseback in the rural Denver area. Galen served in the United States Army during World War II stationed in Germany.  Following his discharge they lived in Kansas City, Missouri. He held several jobs including automotive factory worker, fiberglass factory worker, and mason.  One of his proudest moments as a mason was laying brick for the Veterans Hospital in Kansas City. They moved to Sheridan, Missouri in 1949.  While living here, he worked for the Cook and Gerling Farmall Dealership.  In the early 1950's they began farming on their own. They sold the family farm, thinking he was going to retire, moving into Allendale in 1980. He proved retirement didn't serve him well so he continued to raise cattle. He then bought the Hayloft Restaurant in Albany, Missouri. They lived in Denver until 2000 when Allendale became their final homestead.

            

Galen was a leader in cattle ranching.  He has always raised registered and commercial cattle.  He served on numerous cattle boards and associations.  He had a true love of farming and the outdoors.  With his love of the outdoors came his adoration of bald eagles.  He had quite a collection of eagles and Native American art. He greatly enjoyed time with family and friends.  He always had a wonderful sense of humor and a smile.  He was always ready with a helping hand. 

            

Preceding him in death were his parents, brother Alton Ruckman, and wife, Betty.

            

He is survived by sons; Michael (Beverly) Ruckman of Grant City, Missouri; Rob Ruckman of Denver, Missouri; daughter, Sue (Gary) Adcock of Kansas City, Missouri; sisters, Avis Parman of Albany, Missouri and Joan Ruppe of Kansas City, Missouri; 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

            

Visitation will be 2:00-3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2016 at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home of Grant City, Missouri followed by Memorial services beginning at 3:00 p.m. Galen suggested casual dress for service.  Inurnment will be at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, family request memorial contributions be made to the Allendale Community Betterment or Harrison County Community Hospital, C/O Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home, 200 South Front Street, Grant City, MO 64456.