Rufus Richard (Red) Stombaugh Obituary (1926 - 2018)

Rufus Richard Stombaugh, age 91, known affectionately as “Red” died peacefully at home on 10-8-2018. He was born November 1, 1926 to the late Sarah and Grover Stombaugh in Joplin, Missouri. He was the fourth of five children, three brothers and a sister. As a teenager he fished a lot, sold newspapers, worked in fruit orchards and worked as an ascetalyn burner in CA. Red tried to enlist in the Navy, however he wasn’t accepted due to an erratic heartbeat. At age 17, Rufus married Joyce Leedom in 1944 and shortly thereafter he joined the Army. He was inducted into the Army on March 29, 1945 in San Francisco, California. He receive dhis boot camp training in Fort Hood, Texas and was trained as a Construction Machine Operator and an M1 Sharp Shooter. Upon successful completion of boot camp he shipped out of Seattle, Washington, on his way to the European front or Korea. While enroute to its destination, the ship broke down and was diverted to Hawaii. The ship spent two weeks in a repair ship yard before proceeding to its final destination. Once the ship was back in service it was caught up in a strong typhoon. The seas were extremely rough and dangerous; the entire crew/passengers experienced overwhelming sea sickness and a soldier was lost overboard. The transport ship needed refueling and while doing so, the re-fueler ship ran into it causing heavy damage to the bow. Everyone aboard felt the ship was going to sink and they all feared into their lives. Miraculously, the transport ship was able to make it to Korea after some daring repairs were made at sea. While stationed in Korea, TEC 5 Stombaugh became an Amphibious Engineer, Bulldozer Operator and Glass Work Specialist. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal. He was honorably discharged on August 31, 1946. While serving his country he learned his son, Robert, was born in 1945. Following his service in the Army, Red worked in the glass trade business in CA. Out of a four year apprenticeship it was shortened to two as a result of his time spent in the Service being counted. When the apprenticeship was completed he took time to help his father-in-law build a mill to mine gold in 1949 at a place called Chinese Camp in California. When he finished helping build the mill he returned to the glass business and continued working for various companies. In the early 50’s Red built midget race cars for his son and friends. A daughter, Janet Marie, was born in 1953. Next he went to Alaska to open his own Glass Shop which didn’t pan out due to earthquake damage during 1964. Eventually Red went into business for himself opening Red’s Glass Contracting in 1980. In 1995 his wife, Joyce, passed away. For over two years the work at the shop kept him busy and his mind occupied. In 1996 Red’s dear friend, Jack McAnnally passed away leaving his wife, June, a widow. As friends do, he called now and then to see if she was alright and what could he do to help her in her time of need. Time passed. Red married June (McAnnally) in 1998, the wife of his deceased best friend and continued working on projects for friends and family at his shop until 2005 when he closed the business for the last time. In 1997 Red received commendations from the Glazier’s Union for 50 years of service as a loyal union member. He continued to be a loyal member up until the time of his passing. He also was a member of the Benevolent Order of Elks and the Northern California Glazier’s Union. In 2007, Red and June made a big change in their lives and moved to Utah settling near June’s son and his family. A new adventure for both to look forward to and enjoy. Red had no grandchildren of his own but acquired June’s when they married. He now has five grandchildren and great-grandchildren all of whom love him dearly. Red was an avid fisherman, golfer, camper, and collector of “you name it, he had it.” He enjoyed Nascar races, football, basketball, coin collecting, card games, working in his backyard shop and putting jigsaw puzzles together with his dear friend Carol. He was a great socializer with many stories to tell about his interesting life. He loved all his grandchildren and great grandchildren and gave of his time to help each one as their needs arose. He had a very soft heart and gave of his time while loving every minute to help others. If he was in trouble all he had to do was put on his adoring, mischievous, smile and whatever trouble he was in would vanish. In 2011, June became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the following year Red became a member as well in 2012. They were sealed in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple of Utah for time and eternity in 2013. In May of the year 2015, Red had the experience of his life when he was honored to participate in the Veterans Honor Flight to Washington D.C. People would describe Red as a hard-working man, but I would describe him as an extraordinary human being. There isn’t anything he couldn’t do or fix. He was compassionate, trustworthy and had a strong desire to help others. He could talk on any subject, had a million stories to tell and always had an audience who would listen. He was exceptionally kind and generous to June’s son and the grandsons plus the grandsons by marriage. He treated them all equally. Red will be missed by his family, many great friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Many heartfelt thanks to all the family members and friends who visited and reached out to him during his illness. Red was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers. He is survived by his wife, June, son Robert of Vacaville, CA; daughter Janet of Fairfield, CA; sister Catherine of AZ; stepson Todd Douglas (Leanne) and five wonderful grandchildren: Michael Douglas (Kimberly); Kristen Hickman (Luke); Jordan Douglas (Whitney); Kayla Pennington (John); Jenilee White (Nathan); great-grandchildren Tessa, Brock, Titan, Jersery, Elizabeth, Rose, Ivy, Quinn, Jade, Charlotte, London, John Bo, Adelaide, and Walker. Also surviving relatives are many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at Brighton Hospice for their wonderful, tender, loving and professional care of Red in his last months and days. We are so grateful for all who were part of his care. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 15, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Highland 2nd Ward, 9850 S. Dunsinane Drive, South Jordan, Utah, with a visitation from 10:00-11:00 am.