Gary native Rucker to retire from Indiana Supreme Court
Decorated Army vet appointed in 1999
Chief Justice Loretta Rush highlighted myriad contributions of public service workers across the state Wednesday, but she spent a large part of her address honoring the Supreme Court's longest serving member, Justice Robert Rucker, whom she announced is retiring this year.
“His body of work stands as a powerful illustration of the guidance courts provide for the peaceful resolution of disputes encompassing nearly every facet of Hoosier life,” Rush said in her annual address to the joint General Assembly.
The entire chamber, including Gov. Eric Holcomb, rose to give Rucker a lengthy standing ovation.
Rucker, a Gary native who was appointed to the Indiana Supreme Court in 1999, said he was overwhelmed by the tribute.
“I had some previews of what I thought was going to happen but I didn't know the details,” he said. “So when the details came out I was quite thrilled and very much honored.”
Rucker, who graduated from Gary Roosevelt High School, is a U.S. Army veteran and served in the Vietnam War. He later was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his service.
Returning from service, Rucker went on to graduate from Indiana University and Valparaiso University School of Law.
“It's been quite a journey,” Rucker said. “Who would've thought that the product of a working-class family would be here? My dad drove a taxi, my mom was a domestic worker, and we weren't on food stamps at the time because they didn't exist, but if they did we would've been.”
Rush lauded Rucker's legal accomplishments, but said what's most admirable about him is his commitment to seek equality for all people.
“Justice Robert Rucker has always had the courage and fortitude to protect the rights of all, regardless of their state in life,” Rush said.
“He has the ability to stand in the shoes of any person and understand their plight. In a word, he has a tremendous sense of humanity.”
Geoffrey Slaughter, who became a Supreme Court justice in June, said it's been a pleasure working with Rucker.
“I'm the newest on the bench but in the seven months that I've been able to serve he's been a remarkable gentleman,” Slaughter said. “He will be sorely missed. He's been a treasured colleague and friend.”
To honor Rucker's years of service, Rush announced the Supreme Court will be returning to Rucker's alma mater before he retires.
“We will be returning to Gary Roosevelt High School on March 9 to hear one of Justice Rucker's final arguments,” Rush said.
As Rucker prepares retire, he said it's still surreal to reflect on where he came from.
“There was nobody in my family that was a professional,” Rucker said. “I was one of the first to go to college. So this notion with my ending up as a lawyer and a judge is just incredible.”
Slaughter said Rucker, over the span of nearly two decades, has exemplified a stellar Indiana Supreme Court justice.
“He deserves a proper farewell,” Slaughter said. “He served Indiana well.”
PREVIOUS ARTICLE
