Robert V. Rendall

Early on February 8, Rudy Rendall’s earthly journey ended, and he entered his eternal home.  He passed away at home in the presence of his loving family. Born October 7, 1931, to Robert Vaughn and Annie Latch Rendall, his childhood was largely spent in Odessa and Cisco, Texas. He excelled athletically and was lauded for his work ethic and good nature, being crowned King Lobo at Cisco High School in 1949.

Rudy attended Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, graduating in 1953. Small in stature, but not in spirit, Rudy played offensive guard for his first three seasons as an MSU Indian and played linebacker his senior year. He was selected to the 1950 All-Gulf Coast Conference team and was awarded the Harold Story Trophy, presented each year to the team’s most inspirational player. He was ultimately inducted into the MSU Hall of Honor on October 24, 2009.  Rudy, surrounded by his family, proudly accepted this award midfield at Memorial Stadium.

At MSU, Rudy met his wife, Patricia (“Pat”) Louise Moore. They were married August 2, 1952, in Wichita Falls, TX, marking the beginning of a 69.5-year partnership characterized by mutual devotion to each other, family (particularly their three children and later, eight grandchildren) and community. Together, Pat and Rudy established a track record of service and generosity. They also shared a foundational faith, fostered at their long-time church home, Grace Presbyterian Church of Midland, where Rudy served in many capacities, including both deacon and elder.

Rudy’s work ethic, honed through his athletic endeavors and military service (at Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois) along with his integrity and affability led him to excel in his oil field equipment sales career.  Rudy ultimately owned multiple companies. Long after retirement, he fostered the relationships he formed over the course of his career, particularly enjoying golf outings and trips to Cloudcroft, NM, with former colleagues.

Rudy is survived by his wife, Pat, and children Robert V. Rendall, Jr. and wife Jackie of Midland; Greg Rendall and wife Nanette of Eden Prairie, MN; and Elizabeth Lee and husband Bobby of Midland. He will be dearly missed by his eight grandchildren – Scott Ogilvie (Ruth) of St. Louis, MO; Margaret Franks (Tanner) of Edmond, OK; Ryan Rendall of Chicago, IL; Melissa Risner (Tyler) of Houston, TX; Amanda Lee of Midland; Callie Kierstad (Kenny) of Boston, MA; Patrick Lee (Josie) of Midland and Anna Lee of Midland;  and his six great-grandchildren – Hannah and Henry Franks, Mara Ogilvie, Ellie Lee, and Lacy and Louisa Risner, who brought him much joy over the past dozen years.  In addition, his beloved younger sister, Judy Hall and husband Randy of Cleburne, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews survive him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Annie, and sisters, Lenora Preston and Mary Jane Little.

The family is especially grateful for the loving care provided to Rudy by Amanda Lee, Christy Jackson, Stella Hertado and Rosy Mendoza.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church, 2801 N. Garfield, Midland, TX. 79705 or to Midwestern State University Athletics/Football, 3410 Taft Blvd., Wichita Falls, TX. 76308.

A celebration of Rudy’s life will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church in Midland at 11:00 on February 15.