Troup Banner, Troup TX: January 29, 1925 J.B. RUCKER DIED SUNDAY AT 11 A.M. Pioneer Citizen and business Man Passes Peacefully at Family Home - An Upright Citizen J. B. Rucker, pioneer citizen of Troup, died at his home here Sunday morning at 11 o'clock. He was a little more than 74 years old, and was one of the most widely know citizens in this section. Funeral services were held at the First Baptist church here Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Z.T. Sullivan. The remains were buried at the Rucker Cemetery under auspices of the Masons of Troup. Surveying are his widow, four sons and two daughters; namely W.L., Tom, Grover, and Joe Rucker, all of Troup; and two daughters, Mrs. Clara Holcomb, who resides in Oklahoma and Mrs. Veda Ray of Troup. Two brothers, W. J. and E.E. Rucker, and a sister, Mrs. A.G. Tomme, all of Troup survive him. A number of grandchildren and other relatives, many of whom live here are left to mourn their loss. Many friends and relatives came here from several towns in this part of East Texas to pay respect to the departed man. To name herein the out-of-town people who were here for the funeral is difficult because of the great number in attendance.Mr. Rucker was a member of the First Baptist Church of Troup and of the Masonic Lodge here. To his church, to his fraternity and to his fellowman he was faithful. Christianity appeared to permeate his whole life, following him into his domestic and business relations. Only the severest weather of illness kept him away from his place at his church. In church work or worship his position was one of the foremost. That he accepted the Bible as his life's guide - That he sought to perpetuate the teachings of Christ in the hearts of those nearest him, and observations fully - brought out by his maintenance of a family alter in his home. Studies of the scripture and prayers each night in his home attest to thoroughness in which his life was based up the directing precepts of Christianity. His kindness and friendliness at all times toward his neighbors and friends led to the lofty esteem in which he was held by numerous people here and at other places. Memory of him will forever remain with many by virtue of kindness received at his hand. Doubtless, his life will be commemorated by a continuance of friendly service in the lives of those to whom the life of "Uncle Ben" Rucker exemplified the best there is in every worthwhile human relationship. Troup Banner, Troup TX: February 12, 1925 IN MEMORIAM - J.B. RUCKER (Resolution of Dixie Lodge no. 272, A.F.&A.M., of Troup) To the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of Dixie Lodge, no. 272, A.F.&A.M., of Troup, Texas; We, your committee appointed to draft resolutions respecting the death of our Brother, J.B. Rucker, submit the following; On Sunday, Jan 25, 1925, at 11 o'clock a.m. at his home in Troup, the spirit of J.B. Rucker was wafted away on the wings of the morning. The tenement of clay which had enveloped his soul for more than 74 years was dissolved; and ""he dust returned unto the earth as it was and the spirit unto God who gave it." The approach of his soul to the door of Life Beyond was attended by the Grand Lodge Above, and he entered the pearly gates of the Holy Temple happy, and unafraid. Ben Rucker was a son of Capt. Erwin Rucker of the Southern Confederacy. He was born two miles east of Troup, Dec. 4, 1850. He knew well the life of those who lived in the South thru the turbulent days of the Sixties. The atmosphere which he breathed in childhood and youth held a mist of blood, and the knowledge of injustice and oppression which he acquired in those days, when brother was arrayed against brother in civil strife, remained with him thru life, and made of him an aggressive champion of liberty and a fearless defender of every cause that needed help. Ready courage and broad sympathies made it easy for him to find his place in every contest in which human right were involved. Brother Rucker was the architect of his own fortunes, and in business he achieved, and rarely missed his venture in an enterprise to which he committed himself. He left his family a competency in worldly goods; but he left them far mare richly endowed by the wealth of love that his friends bestow upon them, and, above all, he left them a spotless name that shall fall in benedictions on all who shall wear it worthily. Now that his children are grown, four sons and two daughters surviving, of course, they revere his honored name and sacred memory; and his brethren of the Craft could wish them no greater blessing than that they may receive "a double portion of their fathers spirit." In the glow and promise of his early manhood. Brother Rucker won the heart and hand of Miss Margaret Fox, and for more than fifty years the gallantry of that romance remained with him, even unto the day of his death; for she was to him the same incomparable "sweetheart" that she was the day their troth was sealed with the vows of Love's young dream. Time for our Brother is no more - his years on earth are ended. But his soul has found a deeper anchor, a surer refuge from the tempests and the storms of transitory things; for thru the power of a Living Faith he has laid hold upon his eternal. As the sun sank among soft snowy clouds, as the western light grew dim, "they buried him beside his father" in the Rucker family cemetery; and the moon and the start came forth in their solemn beauty and gave to his awakened soul its first perfect vision of Love Immortal. * * * "The sun shall no more be thy light by day, neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee and everlasting light, and thy God thy Glory. Thy sun shall no more go down, neither shall thy moon withdraw itself. For the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended." The will of God is accomplished. So mote it be. Amen. Brother Rucker was made a Master Mason by Dixie Lodge Nov. 10, 1883. He was an enthusiastic worker of the Craft and was chosen 38th Master of the Lodge on June 1, 1901, which station he filled with honor to the fraternity. He was a Mason true to the tenets of masonry and to all the relationships of life; and from his exalted station in the East, like Amos of old he ever beheld a plum line. He united with the Baptist church in the days of his youth, and all the days of his life he followed the path of and honorable, Christian gentleman. Therefore, Be it Resolved: that in the death of Brother J.B. Rucker; Dixie Lodge has lost a true craftsman, and the Fraternity has sustained and irreparable loss; that his church has lost a faithful Christian worker, the town and community a useful and respected citizen, and his family and indulgent, forgiving father, and devoted husband. Be it further resolved: that we extend to the widow and children of our departed brother our sympathies in this sad hour of bereavement, and commend the many virtues of his noble life. Be it Further resolved: That these resolutions be spread upon our minute book, a copy be furnished to his widow, and a copy be published in The Troup Banner. Fraternally submitted, JOE CROSS, M.C. CHILDES, JACK BURTON, Committee.