Laurence Ruther, 86, beloved husband and father, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, December 19, 2007.

Laurence was born on December 16, 1921, in Butler, Oklahoma, to Joe and Mary (Arnett) Ruther.  As a young man Laurence worked on the family farm and attended Pie Flat School until his graduation in 1939. After graduation Laurence enrolled in the Civilian Pilots Training Program, where he completed ground school and basic flight instruction.  Simultaneously, Laurence enrolled in Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) where he completed 2 years of course work before entering the Army Air Corps during World War II.  Upon completing pilot training, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and proudly flew combat cargo missions over the "Hump" in the China, Burma, and India Theater of operations.

Upon conclusion of World War II, then 1 ^st Lieutenant Ruther was honorably discharged and returned home to Butler.  Soon after his return, Laurence met Thelma Jean Hargues.  On January 16, 1947, Laurence and Jean were married in Wichita Falls, Texas.  In 1953, Laurence completed his education, was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma A&M, and returned to farming and ranching in Western Oklahoma.  In 1969, Laurence moved to Hereford, Texas, where he continued to farm and ranch until his retirement in 2000.  In 2002, Laurence and Jean moved to Denton, Texas, to be closer to family.  Laurence was a longtime member of the American Legion, the Hump Pilots Association, and a member of the First Baptist Church of Denton, Texas.

Laurence is survived by his beloved wife, Jean, of Denton, daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and Larry Schleinat, of Denton, two cherished granddaughters Alix Donnell and Libby Schleinat, both of Denton, son Michael of Randlett, Oklahoma, and brother Rubal Ruther, of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, December 21, 2007, in the Cindy Nichols Chapel of the First Baptist Church of Denton, with the Reverend Cliff Feeler officiating, with visitation before the service at 1:00 P.M. Burial will be at 11:00am, Saturday, December 22, 2007, in the Butler Cemetery, in Butler, Oklahoma.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, Denton Unit, P.O. Box 15186, Austin, TX 78761-5186, or the charity of your choice.

Mulkey-Mason, Jack Schmitz and Son Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

On line condolences at www.mulkeymason.com