Rufus C. Lazzell
March 29, 1929 - March 12, 2016
Roberson Funeral Home
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Kathleen Stencil-Worch Light a candle
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Service
Episcopal-Church of the Good Shepherd
401 Henry Street
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
9416392757 | Map
Wednesday 3/23, 11:00 am

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday 11:00 AM, March 23, 2016 at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 401 W. Henry Street, Punta Gorda, FL, 33950 officiated by The Very Reverend Roy Tuff. There will be gathering at the church immediately following the service.

Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
8779078585 |

Burial with full military honors will be held at later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

Brig. Gen., Rufus C. Lazzell, U.S. Army, retired, 86 of Punta Gorda, Florida died Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Village Place Health & Rehab Center, Port Charlotte, Florida. Rufus was born March 29, 1929 in Huntington, West Virginia to Rufus Glenn and Helen Preston Field Lazzell. Rufus was a very restless and energetic young man.…

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Judith R. Thom left a message on November 26, 2021:
I am just learning of Rufus passing… He has so many accolades, and well deserved… He was instrumental in helping me secure my position at the public works department of the city of Punta Gorda of Punta Gorda….
James Mauchline left a message on July 10, 2021:
I'm sorry to hear that Gen Lazzell had passed away. I served under his command in Vietnam in 1967 in the first infantry division , my condolences to his family.
Bob and Sharyn Dickinson left a message on April 4, 2016:
I am so sorry that Sharyn and I were unable to attend the memorial service for Rufus, but we had another obligation that we couldn't change or get out of. I was very fond of Rufus. I enjoyed working with him on the Arts and Humanities Council of Charlotte County and the Military Heritage Museum. My most interesting memory of him was when he was a celebrity dancer in the very first edition of Dancing With The Charlotte Stars in 2009. Rufus was a great guy, a dedicated citizen, and a fine soldier. We shall always remember him.
John Albion left a message on March 27, 2016:
I served with Mayor Lazzell on the Regional Planning Council where he showed me as a new County Commissioner about how to effectively run a meeting. We also served on the Lee County Port Authority. He represented Charlotte County with genuine care from the heart exercised through a very capable mind. He was a true public servant and a sincere friend. I am truly sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences and wish for peace to Jo Jac and the Lazzell family. Thank you for sharing him with us. RIP General. With great respect, admiration and thanks, I salute you for your life's service.
Tom D'Andrea left a message on March 26, 2016:
We have remained good friends for over thirty five years. I will miss you.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Sylvia left a message on March 23, 2016:
Fly high you will be missed
Maureen Garrard left a message on March 22, 2016:
Rufus leaves an indelible mark on our community. His tireless efforts will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to JoJac and family on his loss.
Kathleen Stencil-Worch left a message on March 22, 2016:
My heart and sympathy goes out to the family. Rufus will be greatly missed!
Tony and Lorraine Geiser (Past Commodore 2015) left a message on March 20, 2016:
It is with great sorrow that we heard about the passing of General Lazzell. As a Past Commodore, I know how hard he worked for the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club. Tony(Retired Air Force) and the General were friends. Our hearts go out for your loss at this solemn time. We are most grateful for his commitment to the City of Punta Gorda and the Veterans that reside here.
Carol Perrow left a message on March 19, 2016:
I only knew Rufus for a short time working at Village Place. I would sing Airborne Songs to him and make him smile. He was such a Joy! Sometimes really ornery! I could always get a smile out of him, even on his worse days. Prayer for Jo Jac and the family.
Tom Rice left a message on March 17, 2016:
I was fortunate to have met Rufus when I moved to Charlotte County fifteen years ago. Our paths crossed many times on various charitable and civic matters. His advice and guidance on questions and projects were always thoughtful and well reasoned. It was a great honor for me to have known him during these years. My condolences to the family.
Michael L Dolsen left a message on March 15, 2016:
I was in the 172d Inf Bde, back in the early 1970s as a SP4/5, after Co. O Arctic Rangers 75th Inf was deactivated there at Ft. Richardson, Alaska, when General Lazell was commanding the 172d. A few years ago, I found him via my old CO; Edward Yaugo, Lt. Col. (ret), and I was very happy and honored to have exchanged several emails with Rufus and learned much from him about his time and history with the Arctic Rangers. I am sadden to learn of his passing, and he is forever in our hearts and we thank him deeply for his service to our great Nation, and the the U.S. Army. My deepest sympathies to his family during this trying time. RIP General.
Carol & Ray Eisenbaugh left a message on March 15, 2016:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you JoJac
Kathy West left a message on March 15, 2016:
Heartfelt condolences to Jo, Vicky, Laura, Linda and family. What an amazing legacy to his country and beyond. We don't always realize and appreciate how amazing someone is until we see it in writing. God bless you all.
Diane and Paul Boettcherf left a message on March 15, 2016:
Remembering Lt. Col. Rufus Lazzell, who I had the honor of volunteering with on the Board of the Charlotte County Family YMCA and keeping Mrs. Lazzell and family in our prayers.
Paul Landowski left a message on March 14, 2016:
I am recalling B.G. Lazzell, as Commander of the 172 Bde, Alaska, when I was a platoon leader with the 60th Inf. He was certainly a dynamic leader, who was very supportive to this former Lt. The memories will continue on. My condolences to Mrs Lazzell, and their family.
John P Derr left a message on March 14, 2016:
Our community has lost a great leader with Rufus Lazzell's passing. I first met Rufus shortly after he arrived in our community when he attended a Navy League Lunch at the Punta Gorda Elks. It was odd, I thought, that a retired Army General was found among a group of Navy retired guys, but there he was. Soon I would sight Rufus at many other places in and around the county including his membership in a discussion group called ANOMALISTS formed by Lin Williams in 1999. He once led our discussion with the title, "Is there a just War?". Rufus did not merely join an organization, rather he entered with a can-do attitude ready to do any heavy lifting needed. We often joked with him that each morning he would get up, jump on his horse and ride off in five different directions! Standing with successful men is usually a successful woman and for Rufus there stands three, Jo Jack wife, and two daughters, Victoria and Linda.. A good man and he is missed. John P Derr
Roberson Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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