Dueward Winford Rotramel

Dueward Winford Rotramel, aged 101 years and 9 months, passed away Jan. 21, 2026, in his room at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mt. Vernon.
Known as “Pug” to his wife’s family, “Beaver” to his coworkers at Braniff airlines, and “Rudy” to all his other friends, he was born April 3, 1924, to James and Ida (nee Buford) Rotramel in Tahlequah, Okla. He grew up in Siloam Springs, Ark., and joined the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942, where he learned his trade as an aircraft mechanic. He left the service after WWII and married Beulah Hiatt in 1946 and rejoined the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, finishing as a Staff Sergeant.
In civilian life he worked for several airlines, including Southwestern, Braniff, and Air Midwest. He was active as an adult in the Boy Scouts, was an active member of Willard Methodist Church and delivered Meals on Wheels for 25 years.
He is survived by his two sons, Jim and John, five grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his three siblings and his wife Beulah.
Services are pending but will be this spring.
Donations may be made to the Missouri Veterans Home Assistance League, 1600 S. Hickory Street, Mount Vernon, MO 65712.