Mr. Rhudel Thomas "Pap" Putman passed away on December 18, 2014 at his residence, surrounded by his family, at the age of 93. Born September 30, 1921 in Frederick, Rhudel was one of the eight children of Roy & Alta Duvall Putman. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Helen. From the moment Rhudel was born, he was a farmer. As a boy in the 1930s, he recalled herding his father's cattle through downtown Frederick, past Baker Park, and down 7th Street to his family's new farm. He started farming by milking cows by hand and using horses to plow; he farmed for over 65 years becoming well known and respected in the farming community. Even in retirement he remained a farmer at heart. As much as agriculture was part of Rhudel's life, his family was always most important to him. He and Helen adored their children; through the years the family grew with countless grandchildren and great-grandchildren. "Pap," as he became known to all, was a cherished patriarch to his large family and will be greatly missed. Rhudel will always be remembered for his core values of hard work, honesty, and helping others in need. For many years, he volunteered for 4-H butcherings, the Great Frederick Fair, and was a member of the Frederick County Farm Bureau. His ability to remember and tell fascinating stories about his life never faltered. He had many friends in his life and he remembered each and every one. Pap was blessed with a long, healthy and productive life, but most impressive was his courage and strength that he always carried with him, even when faced with his final days. He was a friend to all that he met, greeting them with a warm smile and putting his wonderful sense of humor on display. He was survived by four children, Gene Putman and wife Marti of Hagerstown, Ronnie Putman and wife Carol, Robert Putman and wife Jenny, and Patsy Twentey, all of Frederick; 10 grandchildren, Eva Beavan, Becky Baugher, Ronni Putman, Karen Kalin, Larry Putman, Tammy Immer, Melissa Gryder, Dustin Putman, Andy Putman, Scott Putman; 16 great-grandchildren; his brother, Hueston, and his sisters Thelma Robbins and Mary Evelyn Burns. He was preceded in death by grandson, Rhudel T. Putman II; two sisters, Margaret Ritter and Elmira Wolfe, and two brothers, Alton and Norman Putman. The family will receive friends from 3 to 7pm, on Sunday, December 21, 2014, at the Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church St., Frederick, MD 21701. The funeral service will be held 2:00PM, on Monday, December 22, 2014, in the Etchison Memorial Chapel at the funeral home. Pastor Larry Zecher will officiate. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Hospice of Frederick County, P.O. Box 1799, Frederick, MD 21702 or to Autism Speaks, 1060 State Road, 2nd Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540. Online condolences may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com
