clyde rucker

1935 - 2016

KING, Clyde Rucker

Clyde Rucker King passed away at the age of 80 on March 13, 2016, surrounded by his family. He died at his home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
Clyde was born on August 23, 1935 in Levelland, Texas, and he grew up in Dublin, Texas with his parents Clyde and Mildred King, and his brother Kenneth. He is preceded in death by his parents. He was always very close to his brother Ken, and his sister-in-law Terry.
Clyde met and married the love of his life Isabella in 1960, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Shortly after their marriage they moved to California. Clyde and Isabella were married for nearly 56 years. He is survived by his four children – Cathy, (husband Bryan), Seaton, (wife Patti), Caroline, James (wife Debbie), and two Grand-Daughters; Kailyn (husband Shea), and Emily, and Step Grand-father to Joshua, Bryanna, Brandi, and Ryne. In addition, he had several nieces, nephews, step grand-children, and step great-grand-children. Clyde valued family above all else. He was happiest when spending time together.
Clyde spent much of his life in Pasadena, California working at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory as a Mechanical Engineer. He retired in 1998, after 35 years of service. While working at JPL he was involved in several significant projects, including; Pioneer, Mariner, Viking, Voyager, Galileo, and Deep Space One.
During his life, Clyde was always active. He enjoyed camping, hiking, back-packing, rock climbing, running, fishing, traveling, and carpentry. He was known as a handy-man, and you could always find him "fixing" stuff around the house. His love of the outdoors was passed on to his children, who continue many of the same activities today. Clyde is remembered as having an incredible work-ethic, character and integrity.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Leitz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory on Sunday, March 20, 2016 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Thoughts and Condolences may be sent to Clyde's family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com