Paul F. Ruddell's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Paul Franklin Ruddell, age 75 of Charleston, passed away in the early morning of Monday, March 24, 2014 at his home. Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, March 28, 2014 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. The Funeral Service honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at the funeral chapel with Pastor Curt Weaver officiating. Burial will follow in the White Oak Cemetery located in Crawford County north of Oblong, Illinois. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to East Harrison Street Church of God. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Paul was born on October 5, 1938 in Oblong, Illinois to the late Karl F. and Charlene (Ames) Ruddell. He married his high school sweetheart, Janet C. Brough on October 18, 1958 at White Oak Church near Oblong. This began a beautiful friendship, which spanned the next 55 years, produced a wonderful family and deeply touched all who had the great fortune to know them. In addition to Janet, he is survived by four loving and devoted children: Dan Ruddell and wife Irma of North Ogden, Utah, Scott Ruddell and wife Linda of Gurnee, Illinois, Ladd Ruddell of Chicago, and Cristi Beavers and husband Dennis of Collinsville, Illinois. Paul is also survived by his 8 grandchildren who were so near and dear to his heart, Tim Ruddell and wife Katie of Charlotte, NC, Ashley and Ryan Ruddell of Gurnee, Courtney, Jared and Lindsay Beavers of Collinsville, and Hayden and Reagan Ruddell of North Ogden; a sister, Karla Martin and husband Burl of Trophy Club, Texas; and 5 nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Keith Ruddell. Paul was a life long student and passionate, dedicated teacher. He was a graduate of Oblong High School and furthered his education at Eastern Illinois University where he received his Bachelors Degree in Physics. He attained a Masters Degree in Physics from Purdue University and pursued a Ph.D at the University of Illinois. Paul began his career teaching math and physics at Robinson High School, moved on to a position as Physics Instructor at E.I.U., and completed his career teaching physics at Charleston High School. Paul pursued his passion for learning and teaching during summers through a position with the National Park Service giving lectures and guided tours on the history of the Wright Brothers, the Civil War and the largest and best known military post on the Northern Plains named Fort Laramie. Paul was a man of faith and East Harrison Street Church of God in Charleston had been his church home for over 45 years. He dearly loved his church family. He was actively involved in its Praise Band ministry as their harmonica player. When in better health, Paul enjoyed outdoor activities, especially those involving firearms. He was a hunter in his younger years and was a lifetime member and passionate supporter of the NRA. He spent a great deal of his summer tending to his bountiful vegetable gardens until the blight infected his award winning tomato patch. Paul was well versed and knowledgeable in the area of computers and considered photography a favorite hobby. Paul's life radiated qualities of honesty, humility and kindness which gained him the respect of not only his students and colleagues, but of everyone who knew him. He and Janet complemented one another in all that they did and he was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments. When he spoke of them it was with loving enthusiasm and joy. The many special memories of Paul Ruddell will forever remain treasures in the hearts and minds of those who loved him dearly.
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