Donnell Rucker Rathman

Donnell Rucker Rathman or "Duck" to many, 89, passed away suddenly in Bedford, TX June 16, 2022. A graveside memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 30, 2022 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lampasas with Pastor Jesse Thornton officiating. Donnell was born on March 25, 1933 to Clebe Rathman and Lu Etna (Huffaker) Rathman in Lampasas, Texas. He graduated high school in Lampasas in 1951. After graduation, he served in the US Army during the Korean War as a heavy equipment operator. Donnell had a long career as a firefighter. He followed in the footsteps of his grandfather and father and uncles by joining the Lampasas Volunteer Fire Department as a teenager and serving for the next 73 years as an active member of LVFD. In addition to serving as a volunteer, Donnell also worked as a firefighter for the US Civil Service at Fort Hood for a period of 25 years and retired as an Assistant Chief. He received various commendations and awards during his tenure including the 100 Club of Central Texas Award for his 70 years of active service to the community. Donnell has also worked for H B Zachry, Lampasas Builders' Mart and Sneed Funeral Chapel in various capacities during his lifetime. Donnell was also a member of Saratoga Lodge A.F.&A.M. #546 in Lampasas. He also served on the board of Oak Hill Cemetery Association. In December 1957, he married Inez (Bostick) of Lampasas and lived primarily in Lampasas for the entirety of his life. Donnell was always willing to lend a helping hand and took pride in serving the community. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Richard Rathman. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Inez Rathman; son, Don Rathman and wife Debbie of Grapevine, TX; grandchildren, Dillon Rathman of Houston, TX and Tori Rathman of Lubbock, TX; sister-in-law, Irma Bell and her husband Gordon of Bedford, TX and cousin, Glenda Beth Hart of Drippings Springs, TX.