Long-time Tulsa resident John
L. Rucker, 66, passed from this life
to the next on December 1, 2013,
after a long battle against lymphoma.

A well-known local businessman,
John was born in Sapulpa,
OK, but spent his life in Tulsa. By
his family, he was affectionately
known as Bop. John attended
Bishop Kelley High School, where
he reconnected with Linda Covington,
the love of his life, who became
his wife. They were married
for 47 years. In 2007, John and Linda were
inducted into the Bishop Kelley Hall of Fame
in honor of their many contributions to the
school. John lived life to the fullest. He
extended himself to anyone in need and had
hundreds of friends from all walks of life.

The John L. Rucker Company, a building
cleaning and maintenance company, was
established in 1965. It is known and widely
used throughout the Tulsa business community.
In addition, the eponymous John Rucker
is equally celebrated for his philanthropy,
particularly for his support for Meals on
Wheels, where every week he would personally
deliver food, and San Miguel, a Catholic
middle school for English language learners.
One of John's hobbies was collecting and
refurbishing old cars and trucks. Because
he needed space to house his collections
he maintained a warehouse that he named
the "Dubya". It became such a
Tulsa phenomenon that many
people asked to have parties and
other events there. Invariably, he
waived all fees when events by a
charitable organization were held.

John's death occurred on the
same date as that of his mother-inlaw,
Helen Covington, whom he
considered a loyal friend. He was
preceded in death by his parents,
Robert and Bernadine Rucker, and
his brother Larry Rucker.

Besides
his wife, survivors include his brothers Jim
and Doug Rucker. He also leaves behind his
four children: Bode and his wife, Kellie, of
Tulsa, Tim and his wife, Jennifer, of New
York City, Matthew (Bubba) and his wife,
Crystal, of Luray VA, and Maggie Tims and
her husband, Brian, of Tulsa. His grandchildren
include Hudson, 13, Roan, 6, Oliver,
11, Lily, 6, Allison, 19, Covington, 17, Emma,
15, and Jack, 13.

John leaves behind a legacy
of selflessness, loyalty, and generosity. True to his generous nature, John donated
his body to Oklahoma University for research.

In lieu of flowers, the family
suggests that donations be made
to Meals on Wheels or San Miguel.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated
at 1 pm, Wednesday, December 4,
2013 at Christ the King Church, located at 16th Street and South Quincy, Tulsa.

FITZGERALD IVY CHAPEL 918-585-1151