DODGE CITY - Jess Holmes Rucker, 82, died Sunday, May 24, 2009 at Halsey Hall, Ft. Dodge. He was born on March 5, 1927 at Spearville the son of Uhl and Carrie (Moody) Rucker.

Jess was a heavy equipment mechanic working on pipelines and road contruction throughout the United States. In the early 1980's he returned to Dodge City and began Rucker Repair. Jess was a craftsman and made cedar clocks and built a small car for his son.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Dodge City, former member of the Dodge City Masonic Lodge and E.R.A..

On April 11, 1950 he married Betty Becker-Morris at Hays, she preceded him in death on April 10, 2000.

He is survived by a son, David Rucker of Dodge City; two daughters, Barbara Waterhouse of Minneola and Karen Baker and husband Ted of Dodge City; three sisters, LaVera Swank and Carrie Jane Rucker both of Dodge City and Lois McCaw of Winfield; eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Kenneth Rucker and sister, Viola Schwantes.

Funeral service will be held at Swaim Funeral Home on Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 10:30 AM with Mr. Jeff Hiers presiding. Burial will follow at Silent Land Cemetery in Spearville. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 from Noon to 8:00 PM. Memorials can be made to Hospice of the Prairie in care of the funeral home. Personal Condolences may be left at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.