Rufus C. Church, 56, passed away Monday, March 23, 2009, in Ozark, Missouri. Born May 9, 1952, in Welsh, West Virginia, Rufus moved to Springfield in 1962 with his family. After graduating from Glendale High School in 1970, he attended SMSU and worked in security for Venture before joining his father at Ozark Dodge, formerly Ozark Chrysler Plymouth, in 1979. In 1984, he became co-owner with his father, and in 1999 they added Heritage Chrysler Jeep along with his son Ken and Don Burk. Rufus' father preceded him in death in 2006. Rufus was deeply devoted to his family, employees, and friends. He was passionate about baseball and golf, but he was also an avid readera man of words and ideas. He will be remembered as a generous and trusted father, son, husband, brother, friend and businessman with a wickedly delightful (or delightfully wicked) sense of humor. Rufus is survived by his wife Kay and three children: Ken, and wife Susan Church; Jessica Church; and Patrick Church, all of Springfield. He also has two grandchildren, Katie Church and Hunter Fick. Also surviving are his mother, Pat Church, of Springfield; two sisters, Phyllis Scott of Orlando, FL; and Peggy and husband Steve Stepp, Springfield; an aunt, Ruth Cox, of St. Albans, WV; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Rufus was also preceded in death by two siblings, Patrick Church and Nancy Church. Services are under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel, 1947 E. Seminole. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2009 in the funeral home. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2009 in the funeral home. A private burial is planned. The family would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support during this time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to the Youth Sports Scholarship Program at the Ozark Parks & Recreation Department, 602 N. 3rd Street, Ozark, MO 65721. Rufus strongly supported Christian County Athletics and this tribute allows more children to learn the game of baseball which he loved dearly. Rufus was a man devoted to his family. He was a trusted friend and businessman, who took care of his employees. An avid baseball fan, he was also a man of wordspoetry and prose.