Truman’s Obituary Long time Wichita Falls resident, Truman Turner Rives, 92, went to be with His Lord, February 7, 2019, in Plano, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 16, 2019, in the chapel of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home with Dennis Neal, officiating. Interment will follow at Crestview Memorial Park under the direction of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home of Wichita Falls.
Truman was the eldest son of Dora Elmer Cummings and Turner Moore Rives of Wichita Falls. This friendly redheaded boy was active in Boys Scouts earning the rank of Eagle Scout, with Bronze, Silver, and Gold Palms. He was also awarded the Good Deed Award for providing the plumbing at Perkins Boy Scout Camp.
After graduating from Wichita Falls High School in 1944 he served in the Navy in the South Pacific during WWII where he maintained and repaired ships of the fleet. Upon honorable discharge he enrolled in Hardin Junior College majoring in diesel engineering. Completing two years at Hardin, and discovering his credits would not transfer to OU, he worked in the plumbing trade and as plumbing inspector for the City of Wichita Falls before successfully founding Truman Rives Plumbing Company.
He was in business for 47 years. His son, Dolan Rives, later joined the company and took it over after Truman retired. While in the building industry, he built three homes for his family.
He was listed as an Honored Professional in the 1996-97 National Directory of Who’s Who in Executive and Professionals. He served as President of the National Association Plumbing Contractors local chapter in 1962. During this time, he met and married the love of his life, Lou Ella Martinek.
Their earthy love lasted 66 years and now they are reunited. Not only was she his wife, she was his business partner. They shared the enjoyment of playing 42 with friends and family.
They loved traveling throughout the United States, Canada, and South America. Truman was a man of faith and coached softball for numerous church leagues at Highland Heights Baptist Church and later West Side Baptist Church. His love for sports led him to help sponsor the Wichita Falls Softball Tournament and the 1st place trophy for 20 years.
He was a booster of the Wichita Falls High School Coyotes and treasured an autographed 1969 Coyote State Champion team photo presented to him. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. His deer lease near Lampasas gave him an annual opportunity to enjoy God’s creation.
Truman was a servant leader, and never met a stranger. He was officer of the Optimist club, Executive board of Field and Stream, and lifetime member of Joseph A. Kemp Masonic Lodge. His unconditional love and character will always be an encouraging legacy for his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his three brothers Fred, Elmer, and Tony Rives; his wife, and his son. He is survived by his daughter, Lenora Huffington and husband Monty of Plano, his grandchildren, Rachel Griffin and husband Randy of Dallas, and Mark Huffington and wife Dayna of Abilene; six great-grandchildren; and sister –in- law, Mira Elam and husband Jerry and cousins. The family suggests that memorials be made in Truman’s name to Northwest Texas Council, Boy Scouts of America, 3604 Maplewood Ave, Wichita Falls, TX 76308.
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