Murray J. Rupe

Murray Rupe Obituary

RUPE, MURRAY J., 78, of Fern Creek, died Thursday, June 2, 2005. He was a retired US Air Force chief master sergeant, a veteran of World War II and a retired ROTC teacher at Moore High School. He was a member of the Air Force Sergeant Association and the Kentucky Retired Teacher Association. He is survived by his wife, the former Veneta Smith; daughters, Janet Batik and Carol Rupe; and grandsons, Bruce Jr. and Scott Goodfleisch. His funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Fern Creek Funeral Home, 5406 Bardstown Road, with burial to follow in Lebanon (KY) National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Monday.

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Published by Courier-Journal on Jun. 4, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Murray Rupe

11 Entries

Joe Hardesty

June 13, 2005

I am indeed sorry to learn of the loss of Sgt. Rupe. His dedication to his family, his Country and his students is to be admired and emulated by all. Who will ever forget the question he taught us all to ask in regards to how we treat others: "Is it kind? Is it true and is it necessary?" Sgt. Rupe, you were all three to us.

Kyle Ann Combs

June 12, 2005

Of all my memories of Moore High School, the best ones are of Sarge and the days in ROTC. He has made a tremendous influence on so many lives through the years. He taught us how to be proud of our country as well as of ourselves. He taught us how to treat others as we would like to be treated (even though he couldn't teach religion in school). He was a wonderful friend and example for all of us and will be sorely missed. He was a unique person. Mrs. Rupe and Carol...he was a wonderful blessing to me. Thank you for sharing him with so many people.

Larry Webb

June 7, 2005

I had the pleasure of being one of sarges students in the 70's. His love for his country and his dedication to the military lead me to join the USAF. His smile and wit will be missed very much. He was a good example to all of his students. He was stern when needed to be, but gentle and caring when he needed to be. As a student I felt I could go to him for counciling and receive good advice. He will be sorely missed by all. Mrs. Rupe, may GOD wrap you and your family in HIS loving and comforting arms in this a most difficult time. May sarge rest in peace. Sarge, here is a final salute until we meet again.

Lisa Robinson Kraft

June 6, 2005

I have known Mr. Rupe, or Sarge as we called him at Moore High School, most of my life. He has been a great neighbor to my Aunt Bonnie (and to Uncle Donnie). He was a wonderful drill instructor for my Drill Team at Moore. He is truly one of the sweetest men I have ever known. I am saddened by his passing, but I know he and Uncle Donnie are trading War Stories in Heaven. God Speed Sarge!!!

Larry L. Coleman, Jr.

June 5, 2005

The world is a better place because of Murray Rupe. This man was an honored veteran of three wars and an honored educator of the young. CMSgt. Rupe had a profound influnce on my life. He taught me the meaning of things like honor, patriotism, respect and dignity and how to use them to enrich my life... to become the best person I could be. I am forever grateful to the man who took the time to make a difference in mine and so many other lives.

Duane Vigus

June 5, 2005

I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of a man that was a great inspiration to myself and many others. Sgt Rupe's ready smile and sence of humor made him someone you could trust and wanted to please. I was a student of his in the mid 70's but have always remembered him with respect and fondness. He could be stern when the situation warranted but was also a friend to us all. He will be missed by his students, but never forgotten.

Glenn Adwell

June 5, 2005

This man has to be one of the largest influences in my life. Over 30 years ago, I went to see him about enrolling in ROTC and my life changed that day. After 4 years of Sarge's influence as teacher, mentor, and role model, I joined the Navy, eventually earning a 4-year NROTC scholarship and a commission in the Navy, serving 10 years and achieving the rank of LCDR. After leaving the Navy, I again chose a path influenced by Sarge as I became a teacher, and now after 8 years I find myself as an assistant principal. The high school where I work has an outstanding AFJROTC unit also, and I recently attended their banquet as a guest. I remember telling everyone there how how much my "Sarge" had done to influence my life. There are too many good memories to recount here, but I will remember him always and know now he looks down over me now as he has done for these many years!

To the family, I would like to say thank you for the gift of sharing him with so many of us for all those many years.

Joe Lancaster

June 5, 2005

All who knew him were taught by him; all who were taught by him learned from him; his influence continues to mark those of us who were privileged to be with him.

Ruth Lancaster

June 4, 2005

I had the great privilege to be taught by CMSGT Rupe 30 years ago. I could say that I have been taught by him ever since - because the lessons he taught by example have been my guideposts for success in many areas, particularly in communication and people management skills. He was truly a unique and outstanding person who left his mark on hundreds of students during his 'second career'. His twinkling smile, his sense of humor (and his famous chili) are only a few of the great memories I have. God bless you Carol, Janet, and Mrs. Rupe.

Cindy Smith

June 4, 2005

I'm so very sorry for the loss of Uncle Murray. I know he will be missed by the many lives he touched. I will never forget the way he made me feel special, even when there were so many others at our family gatherings.

One of my favorite memories is playing with Carol in their big yard, often under the weeping willow tree, when we were very young. Uncle Murray would find us and use his wit and charm to get us to help with cleaning up the fallen leaves. He would offer me a shiney coin and I thought that was just the greatest thing!

I believe that Uncle Murray is in heaven and watching all of us with his smile and love.

Donald Alan Smith

June 4, 2005

Our condolences to Aunt Veneta,

Janet, and Carol.From boat rides as a kid, to family cookouts. The

goldfish pond, and Gretchen the

sheppard.A front porch view of the

huge willow that wept.These are just a few of the memories that

will be kept.

May he rest in peace.

Sincerely,Paula

and Alan Smith