Robert Kaye Rugg

Robert K. “Bob” Rugg

Mr. Rugg died June 13, 2023 in Belton, Texas.

Mr. Rugg was born July 19, 1932 in Clarkston, Washington, the son of Byron and Hester Jinice (Berry) Rugg.   He grew up in Clarkston graduating from Clarkston High School.   His love for aviation began at the early age of 16 when he earned his private pilots license. He joined the United States Air Force in 1951.  He served as crew chief for the United States Air Force demonstration team, "The THUNDERBIRDS". He was instrumental in developing  the system for on command white smoke that is released from the tail pipe of the aircraft. The white smoke is a hallmark of the Thunderbirds air shows today.

He married Patricia Church on August 6, 1953 in Moscow, Idaho.

He worked for Boeing for twenty three years.  During this time period he was assigned to Cape Canaveral Florida on the engineering flight testing of the Minuteman Missile. He also worked on the Saturn V Rocket at Cape Kennedy. Bob became an FAA Certified Flight instructor and  began teaching students to fly. His favorite student was his wife Pat.

In retirement they enjoyed traveling in a Ford Truck with a Fifth Wheel in tow visiting their children and grandchildren across the country.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Jenette Beaver and Sue Anderson.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Patricia Rugg, his loyal dog Archie, four daughters, Nanette Ryan of Rapid City, South Dakota, Michelle Sagraves (Scott)of Belton, Texas, Mitzi Holland(Jim) of Granger, Indiana, Dana Austin(Scott)of Deltona, Florida.

Ten grandchildren; Trevor Ryan, Tayler Stogsdill, Kimberley Maxwell, Nick Sagraves, Jordann Hager, Alexandra Wendt, Justin Holland, Morgan Holland, Nathan Austin, Cade Austin; and eight great-grandchildren; Liberty, Jeffrey, Jayden, Charlotte,
William, Beckham, Carlye and Monroe.

A military memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to your local hospice.