Rylen B. Rudy

Major Rylen B. Rudy, USMC (ret) age 92 passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023 in his residence, while speaking with his doctor on the phone. He lived many lives, saw and experienced things that most people only dream of.

The visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, January 3, 2024 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and the funeral will be Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Both are located at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, Texas 78731. A committal service will occur Thursday, January 4, at 12:30 p.m. at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, 2800 Hancock Dr., Austin, Texas 78731.

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to the late Roy Rivers Rudy and Marian Ida Gilbert, he was raised on a horse ranch, competed on his high school swim team, and rode Brahma bulls in the rodeo circuit.

Getting his parent’s permission, he joined the military and proceeded to become one of the youngest fighter pilots the Marine Corps had in the Korean conflict. He was shot down by the North Koreans, belly landed the plane without landing gear, and walked away. He fought in both Korea and Vietnam, and retired as a Major after serving 21 years for the Marine Corps.

His favorite times were flying off 10 different carriers, and he served as the LSO, (landing signal officer) on several. He taught flight school and eventually rose to commanding officer of a fighter squadron. His decorations include Distinguished Flying Cross; 5 Air Medals; Navy Unit Commendation; National Def Service Metal; AUC; Korean Service Metal with 2 *; U.N. Ribbon; Korean PUC Wing and Div.

After retiring from the Marine Corps, he had a year of IT training, then went to work for the Texas State Health Department. He was with them for 20 years and retired as the head Systems Programmer.

With two retirements, he and his wife Patricia traveled the world. He has a certificate stating that he has driven more than 100,000 miles on his BMW motorcycle, which included all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and South America.

He is survived by his son, Stephen R. Rudy and wife Tracy, his daughter Robin L. and husband L.J.Speed, grandson, Stuart A. Lagerson and wife Anneliese, granddaughter, Tabatha and husband Mark Knuppel, and great granddaughters Chloe and Dorothy Lagerson.