Karl Stephen Ruckman

Karl Stephen Ruckman was born October 17th, 1955 at U. S. Air Force Hospital, Langley AFB, Virginia. He was the son of Bernard Norwood Ruckman and Shirley Ann Hall Ruckman. Karl joined the USAF in February 1974. He met Jacqualine Ball when they were both stationed at Keesler AFB, Mississippi. They met in July 1974 and married August 24th 1974. During their 46 year marriage they added 2 daughters to their family. His family was Karl’s greatest treasure. Daughter Alexandria Kristine Ruckman Burghardt and son-in-law Ross L. Burghardt blessed them with granddaughter Sadie Piper Burghardt. Daughter Erica Nicole Ruckman McDonald and son-in-law Max McDonald blessed them with grandson Logan Karl McDonald and granddaughter Lilly Jacqualine McDonald.

Karl made a career in Air Traffic Control first with the USAF, then the FAA. Karl had high standards for himself and was successful and respected.

Karl was a Lion’s Club member and a Blue Lodge Mason. Through the Masons Karl was active in Eastern Star and Rainbow Girls. In 1999 Karl was ordained a Deacon at Bell Avenue Baptist Church in Amarillo, TX.

Karl and Jacqualine’s final move was to Fort Worth, Texas in 2000. Here they both retired and enjoyed home and family. Karl loved Christmas and showered his family with gifts each year, even though he vowed he was going to cut back. One of his dreams was to own a Mercedes Benz. His 3rd one was his ultimate joy even though he was only able to drive 700 miles in his dream car before he went to his glorious home Feb 2, 2021.