Rufus Fugate

The obituary of Mr. Rufus Fugate Officiating Ministers: Rev. Merle Caudill, Rev. Greg Whitaker & Harold Kemper Mr. Rufus Fugate born July 4, 1932 departed this life on June 2, 2013 at the Lake Cumberland Medical Center, Somerset, Ky. He was 80 years old. Rufus was born at Krypton, Ky., the son of the late James Fugate & Molly Woods Fugate. Rufus attended Kodak grade school & graduated from Vicco High School in 1951. Rufus graduated Caney Jr. College in 1953 and the University of Kentucky in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. He received his Master's Degree from North Carolina State University in 1968. Rufus served honorably in the United States Navy from 1955-1957. Rufus moved to Hyden in 1958 and took the position of Agriculture Extension Agent. He had a very distinguished career until his retirement in 1991. He was united in marriage to his beloved wife of 54 years, Clarinda Jane Combs on June 10, 1958. Rufus was very active in both civic & community affairs during his life-time. He held numerous positions in various organizations: member & officer of KRADD & the United Way, Council of the Aging, UK Rural Health, charter member of the Leslie Co. Fish & Game Club, Hyden Lions Club, co-founder of LKLP, co-founder of the Hyden Volunteer Fire Dept. & Rescue Squad. Rufus was a devoted member of the Central Presbyterian Church for over 52 years & served numerous terms as an Elder & Trustee. He was an accomplished wood carver, wood worker & avid fisherman. Rufus shared his love & knowledge of bird-watching & wild flowers with many people, schools, and youth groups. He was very well known & respected for his educational nature hikes and tours. Rufus was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Rev. Martin Fugate, Lewis Fugate, sisters: Helen Miller, Susie Haynes, Wanda Stark & Janice Pickens. Mr. Rufus Fugate leaves the following relatives surviving: his beloved wife of 55 years: Clarinda Jane Fugate of Hyden, Ky., one son: Martin Lee Fugate and wife, Ann of Hyden, Ky., one daughter: Effie Layne Stidham & husband, Joey of Hyden, Ky., four treasured grandchildren: Darlene Maggard & husband, Andrew, David Feltner, Josi Clarinda Stidham, Becca Layne Stidham & one great granddaughter: Izzy Maggard. The funeral service for Mr. Rufus Fugate will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. - Wednesday - June 5, 2013 at the Dwayne Walker Funeral Home with Rev. Merle Caudill, Rev. Greg Whitaker, & Harold Kemper officiating. The interment will follow in the Lewis Cemetery, Hurricane Creek, Hyden, Ky. with full military rites observed by the Leslie Co. D.A.V. Chapter # 133. Friends may call for visitation from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Tuesday - June 4, 2013 at the funeral home. The following will serve as active pallbearers: Jimmy Haynes, Michael Haynes, Tansel Haynes, Anthony Fugate, David Wayne Feltner & Joey Stidham, honorary pallbearers: Chandler Williams, David Adams, Charles May, Ray Wilson, Lowell Hamilton, Tom Cravens, Andrew Maggard, Paul Morris & Lyndall Harned. The family requests donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Rufus Fugate Memorial Scholarship Fund at Alice Lloyd College, C/O P.O. Box 69, Hyden, Ky. 41749, the Central Presbyterian Church,P.O. Box 1679, Hyden, Ky., or the Leslie Co 4-H Council, C/O Leslie Co. Extension Service, 22045 Main Street,# 514 Hyden, Kentucky 41749 Hyden, Ky. You may send your condolences to the Fugate family at www.walkerfuneralhomesllc.com