Eddie Lewayne Rucker

Eddie Lewayne Rucker, 70, of Yantis passed away on August 25th, 2021, just short of his 71st birthday. This loss left family and friends shocked and deeply saddened. He will be truly missed in so many ways.

Eddie was born in 1950 to Helen Loveday in Corpus Christi, TX and soon after they moved to Mesquite, TX. He attended Eastfield College and Electronic Tech school for degrees in Mechanics and Electronics. He retired from the US Post Office with 38 years.

Eddie was predeceased by his grandparents, mother and father Helen and Jack Loveday, In-laws John and Jessie Cooper, brother Ricky Rucker, nephew Eddie Hunt, brother-in-law Terry Wayne Cooper and sister-in-law Angela Scow.

Eddie is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Debbie, as well as his sisters Mary (Duane) and Martha (Dennis), and sister in laws Ro (widow of late brother Ricky) and Jackie (David). He was a strong, loving and supportive father to his two daughters, Jennifer (49) and Destiny (25), and son Keith (47). They were the center beam of his life and he gave everything a father could give. He had three amazing grandkids JohnMichael (Nikki Mae), Jesse, and Kayla Jo. He was the best Daddy and Papa a kid could ever ask for… he could be found on the sidelines or wherever his children needed him.

While serving 9 years in the Army (Korea and Vietnam), he met Debbie at Fort Benning. Although he did not talk much about his time in the service, he was extremely proud to have served his Country with honor. He was a true Patriot who believed in standing for the flag and kneeling for God. He earned a Silver Star and other medals and accommodations.

Eddie and Debbie recently built their dream house in Yantis, Texas on a beautiful plot of land…complete with critters, and say they worked harder retired than they did when they worked regular jobs. He loved the land, and he loved having coffee in the morning and watching the deer from his back porch with his dog Ren.

He also loved sports and music. He embraced local youth baseball and was a beloved coach for many years, only giving it up to help Debbie with Destiny. Everyone involved in baseball knew who Coach Eddie was and kids would rattle the fences yelling Eddie when he walked up. He loved photography but hated having his picture taken. He even took both his grandsons’ senior pictures.

He was an excellent caregiver to Pawpaw Cooper before he passed away. They would go out to breakfast and have coffee often. Because of his dedication, they were able to keep Pawpaw at home longer. When it came time and he had to go to the hospital for long term acute care.  Eddie would be up at 4 am and in his room to greet him with coffee and breakfast sandwich by 5 am.  Eddie stayed many hours with him and we all discovered Pawpaw had a funny side, thanks to Eddie

Eddie had a gift of making everyone feel like family. His friends describe him as funny, kind, loving, caring, warm, and wonderful. But really, he will be missed more than words can say.

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