Mr. John Rucker,56, formerly of Rochester passed away on March 21, 2012 in Delphi. John was born in Wabash on June 11, 1955, the son Alfred & Mabel Putman Rucker. Growing up he shared his childhood with a sister Nancy and two brothers, Jimmy and Dean. As a young man, John served two stints with the U.S. Navy for a total of 16 years service to our country. Initially he served during the end of the Vietnam War. He returned to duty from 1989 - 2000, serving during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His responsibilities were as boatman and chef. In June of 1974, John married Joanna Lyn Casey at the Athens United Methodist Church. Their union produced a precious daughter, Adrianne Joanne, and two handsome sons, Travis and Ryan. The family tree continued to grow with the additions of four grandchildren. John dearly loved his family and especially treasured the times spent with his grandchildren. To relax he enjoyed listening to blue grass music, Grandpa Jones or Merle Haggard, while relaxing in his easy chair. At his side where his devoted canine companions, Laurel the black lab-rottie mix, and Tessie, his black and white Welsh Pembroke Corgi. John's passion was cooking. Many will remember John's culinary creations at the Streamliner Junction. He served up all of the customer's requests, satisfying them for over 15 years. John loved cooking for his family too. He was always in the center of the kitchen or hovering over the grill creating the special requests, supplying the feast for holidays and special family celebrations. A Cubs fan, John loved the rodeo and in his earlier years experienced the challenges of bull riding. A lifetime athlete he enjoyed training and running in marathons. John ran in many, but his most memorable were South Bends Sunburst, the Chicago and Los Angeles Marathons. During his Navy years he ran a marathon in Cuba. He is survived by his wife Joanna Rucker, at home; 2 sons: Travis Rucker & wife Sandy of Marfa, TX, and Ryan Rucker & wife Jeana of Galveston; 4 grandchildren: November and Dawson Hunt, Baily and Ryanna Rucker; a brother-in-law, David Casey of Delphi; 2 nephews: Steven and Anthony Casey of Delphi; and 2 canine companions, Laurel & Tessie. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter born into heaven Adrianne Joanne, a sister Nancy Crothiers, and two brothers, Dean & Jimmy Rucker. Chaplain Jason See will officiate services. Interment will be in the Athens Cemetery.