Corwin "Butch" S. Ruge, a prominent figure in the Wright City community who was instrumental in spearheading several local projects, including the opening of Ruge Park and founding the Wright City Blue and Gold Auction, died last Wednesday, Aug. 24. Ruge, president/CEO of FMB Bank, was 69. He died following a battle with cancer. Ruge will be best remembered for his community involvement and his support of local high school students. He began the Blue and Gold Auction which, since it began in 1999, has awarded over $400,000 in scholarships to more than 200 students. He also assisted in purchasing a scoreboard for the Wright City High School football field when it was discovered it had yet to be bought prior to the first home football game and donating equipment for the high school gymnasium. Wright City Mayor David Heiliger signed a proclamation at last Thursday's board of aldermen meeting designating Aug. 27 as a day of mourning to honor Ruge, who was buried that same day. While growing up, Heiliger said Ruge would make sure each summer ball team was outfitted with uniforms and if a player didn't have a glove, one would mysteriously show up at the next practice. "When I was a kid, half of the Khoury League teams wouldn't have had T-shirts if not for him and other businessmen," Heiliger said. "He would do anything for the kids. He was just a great man." Karen Girondo, the city's economic development director/treasurer, recalled Ruge's support of building a park that nearly didn't come to fruition after the city used up all of the grant money before the project was finished. However, Ruge stepped up and took care of the remainder of the project's costs. The park, located on the south end of the city, now bears Ruge's name. "It would never have gotten finished" without his support, Girondo said. Marcella Holiway, one of Ruge's five children who all work at FMB Bank, said her father enjoyed helping the community but preferred to do so in a quiet manner and to not be recognized for his contributions. "He never expected anything back," Holiway said. "He always loved this town." She added, "His favorite title was being a community member of the town." Born July 21, 1942, in St. Louis, Ruge grew up in Wright City and graduated from St. Louis University High School. He later obtained a Bachelor of Science degree and law degree from St. Louis University. During the Great Depression in the 1930s, FMB Bank was the only one in the county to remain open. Last year the bank celebrated its 100th year serving the community. Ruge's lengthy list of community affiliations included being a member of the Warrenton Rotary Club, Warren County Elks Club, Knights of Columbus, Wright City Lions Club, Wright City High School auction committee, Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce and Wright City Area Chamber of Commerce. He also was past board member of the Warren County Fine Arts Council and Innsbrook Institute. In addition, Ruge served on the board of Midwest Independent Bank, was a member and past director of the Independent Community Bankers Association, past president and current director of the Missouri Independent Bankers Association, and member of the Missouri Bankers Association. Ruge was buried in Wright City Cemetery on Saturday, following funeral services at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Warrenton. Ruge is survived by his wife, Gere Ann Ruge, Innsbrook, two sons, Corwin "Trae" Ruge III, Dardenne Prairie, and Matthew Ruge and wife Shari, Innsbrook, three daughters, Corri Ruge, Wright City, Kristin Beckmeyer and husband Jim, Wright City, and Marcella Holiway and husband Aaron, Wright City. He was preceded in death by his parents, Corwin S. and Nellie Jewel Ruge. Memorials are requested to be made to Wright City High School Scholarship Fund or Holy Rosary School in care of Pitman Funeral Home, 1545 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville, MO 63385. -recnews@centurytel.net