Robert W. Rummel

Robert W. Rummel 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. 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 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. 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. 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.