Lt. Col. Rufus W. Scott (Usaf, Ret.)

Lt. Col. Rufus W. Scott (USAF, Ret.) passed away at the age of 94 on December 18, 2017 in Waco, Texas. In his long life, he’d done everything he wanted. A veteran Air Force pilot, he flew thousands of hours and many combat missions in service of his country. He married the love of his life, Marilyn Scott, and lived in love with her for 67 years. Together they raised three daughters, contributed to their church and community, and traveled the country.

Rufus was born in 1923 to Iva Jane and Thomas King Scott in Harmony, Texas.

After Pearl Harbor he was drafted in the army and trained in the Army Air Force through the war. He served in several branches of the Air Force, ending as a squadron commander in Vietnam. During his 27-year Air Force career, he qualified to fly 16 different aircraft, including trainers, cargo, bombers and his favorite, the supersonic F-100 pursuit plane. He was decorated for valor more than once including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star.

Rufus retired in 1970, settling in Waco and going to work for the Texas Employment Commission. After eleven years, he retired again.

In his retirement, Rufus and Marilyn traveled the country in a motor home, exploring scenery from coast to coast. They traveled to Campers for Christ gatherings and spent summers fishing high Colorado lakes

Rufus and Marilyn were active members of Highland Baptist Church where Rufus helped widows with home repairs. He also volunteered with the Red Cross and the Lion’s Club.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Scott of Waco, his three daughters, Kathleen Scott of New Braunfels, Jane Webb of Corpus Christi, and Eileen Scott of The Woodlands, grandchildren Brooke Gunning, Megan Webb and Parker Webb, great-grandchildren Sienna, Ashtyn and Caden Gunning, and Addie and Lucas Webb, and niece Dorothy Lynn Magee.

The family is grateful to Joyce Collazo for her expert loving care of Rufus, to Brittany West, to Right at Home Care, Scott & White Hospice, and for the support of friends and of the Highland Baptist Church family.

A memorial service will be held at Highland Baptist Church, in the chapel, 3014 Maple Avenue, Waco, December 27, at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Rufus’s name to the Highland Baptist Church Wellness Center, 3014 Maple Ave., Waco, Texas 76707, (254) 754-0335.