William Eugene "Bill" Rudellat

On January 21, 2025, William Eugene “Bill” Rudellat passed away peacefully at home after a short battle with cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife Gwen of 59 years. Bill was born October 14,1938 in La Feria, Texas to Pete Rudellat and Mary Caruso Rudellat. He graduated from La Feria High School in 1957 and joined the U.S. Navy where he served on the USS Frontier until 1961. After his discharge from the Navy, Bill attended Texas A&I College where he met and married Gwen Dowell in 1965. He was Service Manager of K A Childs Motors for many years and then opened Rudellat’s Automotive in Kingsville. In 1985 Bill and Gwen bought land between Riviera and Vattmann and found their true home. After many years of racing cars, boating, fishing, and traveling, Bill discovered his best life on the ranch raising cattle, even opening a feed store on the ranch. Bill loved visiting with the customers and other ranchers at the feed store. Bill hosted many high school and Navy reunions at the ranch. Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church and the church family were a huge part of his life. He was very active, serving on various committees, fundraisers and projects over the years. The love and support of the community are unique and unequalled. 

Bill was preceded in death by his father Pete Rudellat and mother Mary Rudellat Wright, stepfather Walter Wright, brother James Rudellat, and numerous aunts and uncles. 

He is survived by his wife Gwen, his brother’s wife Elizabeth Fay Rudellat of Port Lavaca, and their children and grandchildren. Bill was especially fond of his nephew James “Jimbo” Edward Rudellat. His brothers and sisters-in-law and their families were his family, and he loved them all. He will be greatly missed. 

The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and caregivers from Nurses on Wheels and 247 Personal Care for their help during these difficult times. 

Visitation will be at Turcotte Funeral Home in Kingsville on Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. followed by the holy rosary at 5:00 p.m. Funeral services will be celebrated on Monday, January 27, 2025, at Our Lady of Consolation Church Hall in Vattmann at 11:00 a.m.; with interment at Our Lady of Consolation cemetery after the services. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Our Lady of Consolation Church or your favorite charity.

Honoring Bill as pallbearers are Randy Ware, Dewey Hubert, James (Jimbo) Rudellat, Miles Cumberland, Doug Dowell, and Jimmy Dowell.

Honorary pallbearers are Fred Yaklin, Jerry Martinez, Gene Srubhart, Romeo Saenz, and Harold Wright.