Nelson Edwin Rucker

Nelson Edwin Rucker, 83, passed away Thursday, September 9, 2010. Nelson was married to Sophie for 62 years. Nelson had one daughter, Linda. Linda and Mark Edwards have three children: Derek, Malia, and Jack. Nelson loved to tell stories of his interesting life. He was born in Joplin Missouri and grew up in the era of the Great Depression. He moved a lot throughout his childhood. Nelson was a life-long avid reader. As a child, his favorite books were about Todd Moran, a young man who traveled the world on the high seas. Desiring to escape his unsettled life and live like Todd Moran, Nelson joined the Merchant Marines at 16 years of age. He spent a dangerous two years traveling around the world delivering supplies during World War II. He then joined the Army and was stationed in China toward the end of the war, where he met his bride, Sophie. Nelson and Sophie lived in southern California for most of their life, where they raised their only daughter, Linda. They were foster parents to several children. Nelson was a deputy sheriff for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's department for 25 years. Nelson and Sophie moved to Little Rock, Arkansas in 1996 to be near his daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren. During his retirement, Nelson was active in volunteering at the VA hospital, St. Vincent's Medical Center, and at his retirement center, Good Sheppard Cove. He was a long-time "mall-walker" and loved to drink coffee and visit with his mall-walking friends. Nelson was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Nelson died in Little Rock, Arkansas, after a tough battle with pancreatic cancer. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Friday, September 10, 2010, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home (501) 224-8300. Private family graveside service will be held. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.