Robert W. Rummel

Rummel, Robert W.
was born in Dakota, Illinois, on August 4, 1915. His father was William Howard Rummel; his mother was Dora Elizabeth (Ely) Rummel. He passed away on October 17, 2009 at East Mesa Hospice of the Valley. Bob was 94 year old. As a youth Bob Rummel lived with his parents and his brother Edwin at various times in Dakota, Morrison, Ashton, and Mount Carroll, Illinois. His had a happy childhood. He once wrote that he could not remember hearing a single cross word between his parents. He developed a consuming interest in aviation at an early age which matured into his life's work, expanding in later years to embrace what to him was the exciting frontiers of space. He was active in Scouting, and, when only fifteen years old, organized and led for two years-until he moved to Mount Carroll-one of the first Cub packs in Illinois. He graduated from the Mount Carroll High School in 1934 an shortly thereafter attended the California Institute of Aeronautics, Glendale, California, where he graduated with honors as an aeronautical engineer. Bob's professional career was unusual: Aircraft designer, airline executive, aerospace consultant, Smithsonian author. He held responsible engineering positions at Hughes Aircraft, Lockheed, Aero Engineering Corporation, National Aircraft Company, Rearwin Aircraft, and then spent thirty-five years at Trans World Airlines. After TWA, he organized his own consulting firm, Robert W. Rummel Associates, which he disbanded in 1987 to devote the majority of his time to writing. The first airplane Bob designed and engineered in detail was the Rearwin "Cloudster", a three place light airplane which was certificated by the federal government and placed in production when he was twenty-four years old. It and another new design, the Rearwin "Skyranger", were produced at a rate of about one per day which was outstanding for that period. Bob joined TWA in 1943 and rose successively from senior engineer to chief engineer, to staff vice president, to corporate vice president. During this time he was responsible for the development and acquisition of TWA's fleets of new aircraft, advanced technology, and finally was given the added responsibility of long range corporate planning. During this period the majority of new transport reflected Bob's design input, and TWA became an around the world airline. While working at TWA, Bob also worked as a consultant for eighteen years for Howard Hughes. Bob considered it a great privilege to have also worked throughout his career at TWA and as an aerospace consultant with many of the world leading aviation executives. Bob served on many NASA, DOT, and other advisory functions including the White House Program Evaluation and Development committee. He was appointed by President Reagan to serve as a commissioner on the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident. Other honors came his way. Those he was most proud of include his election to the National Academy of Engineering, award of the Distinguished Public Service Medal by NASA, the election as a fellow in the Society of Automotive Engineers and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Bob's family was his greatest pride and joy. He was married to Marjorie B. Cox in Osawatomie, Kansas in 1939. He was exceedingly grateful for the privilege of having spent 63 years with Margie, who he appreciated not only as a wonderful wife, but as helpmate and friend as well. Margie passed in 2003. Five fine children were born of this union: Linda Kay, Sharon Lee, Marjorie Susan, Robert Wiland, Jr. and Diana Beth. And, with passing time Bob and Margie were blessed with eleven grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Bob and Margie spent their married life successively in the Kansas City area, Weston and Westport, CT., and Leisure World, Mesa, AZ. They traveled extensively with their family sometimes spending months away from home because of the demands of his work. Although Bob and Margie were exceptionally busy, they found time to enjoy social activities and boating in the New York/Connecticut area. They were members of the Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club and the New York Yacht Club. Bob was a 32nd degree Mason, Scottish Rite and the Shrine. While not a member of a church at the time of his passing he had a firm and abiding faith in a Higher Power. Bob is survived by 5 children: Linda Kay Yarbrough, Webster Groves, MO; Sharon Lee Barnes, Janesville, WI; Marjorie Susan DuBois, Sun City, AZ; Robert Wiland Rummel, Jr., East Glacier Park, MT, Diana Beth Gillespie, New Canaan, CT, 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Private family services have been held. Donations may be made in Bob's memory to Sunshine Acres, 3405 N. Higley, Road, Mesa, AZ 85215.