Francis Matthew Rudell, 82, of Oakley, KS died December 6th, 2024, at Logan County Hospital in Oakley, KS. He was born September 20th, 1942, to Matias “Matt” Rudell and Mary (Pfeifer) Rudell in Russell Springs, KS. He married his wife, Pamela (Wagoner) Rudell on December 30th, 1961, whom he is survived by. He was preceded in death by his daughter Tamera and his granddaughter, Jessica, whom he had adopted.
He graduated from Oakley High School, and later took classes at Colby Community College.
He worked for the Co-op Union Mercantile Co. driving trucks and managing the Campus, KS elevator and later worked for Western Plains Energy.
Francis was deeply involved in his community through his time spent in various associations and on many boards. These include his 44-year membership in the American Quarter Horse Association, for which he received a 40-year Membership Award, American International Charolais Association, member of the Gove County Business Leadership Committee, served on the Oakley Fair Board for 10 years, was a member of the USD #291 (Grinnell) School Board, a member of the Fort Wallace Mounted Drill Team, he was also a leader for the Gove County Fair Program, helping with the Logan County Drill Team, and was also a leader in the Hi-Plains 4-H Club. While being the leader of the 4-H club he enjoyed taking kids on various trail rides. He also received the honor of being the Grand Marshal of the Logan County Fair Parade on July 20th, 2016.
Francis enjoyed horses and classic cars. Francis and Pam enjoyed raising horses and showing horses. They also ran racehorses in Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska and Oklahoma. Most recently they enjoyed training cutting horses. He was a founding member of Tri-County Cruisers in Oakley, KS. He was also Boy Scout Den leader and an instructor for Hunters Safety course.
The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m., December 12th, 2024, at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley. Memorial service is 10:00 a.m., December 13th, 2024, at the United Methodist Church in Oakley. Burial will follow in the Grinnell Township Cemetery, Grinnell. Memorials may be made to the Dorothy Yardley Cancer Fund and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com