Dr. Rupert E. Stivers, 86, of Paducah, passed away at 10:28 p.m. on Friday, October 12, 2012 at Western Baptist Hospital.

He joined the U.S. Army and served during WWII as a lab technician. He later graduated from University of Kentucky in 1949, and in 1953, graduated from Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine receiving the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.

He re-enlisted in the U.S. Army as a commissioned officer in 1957 and began an exemplary career of dedicated service to his country.

He served as a medical staff officer in various U.S. Army Hospitals including the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., and Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. For his diligent service he was awarded commendations from Major General William Westmoreland and Brigadier General Henry. S. Murphy. During his career on active duty he was acting physician to many key military and government officials including General Dwight D. Eisenhower, General Omar Bradley and General William Westmoreland.

He also served as Podiatric consultant to the U.S. Surgeon General.

He retired from active duty and joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 1965, moving his family to Paducah, Ky., where he continued his passion for serving country and community.

As part of a family tradition including his uncle, aunt, and cousins from Louisville, he continued in the 2nd generation of Podiatry practice with his Father and Uncle.

This is now continued by his son, Steve.

He successfully lobbied for, and co-founded the 807th M.A.S.H. Unit in Paducah.

He served in various commanding officer roles until his retirement as Lt. Colonel just prior to the Gulf War, when his unit was called up for service. For his dedicated service to his country he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal — the highest peacetime honor awarded by the military.

His community involvement included active service as a Paducah Ambassador, past president and active member of the Paducah Night Lions Club. He received the Kentucky Colonel awards in 1968 and 1970.

He served as Teacher, Deacon, Elder, and Choir member at the First Christian Church of Paducah where he established his church home and extended family his many years in Paducah.

He was a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, Kentucky State Board of Podiatry, and past president and 50 year member of the Kentucky Podiatric Medical Association.

He loved golf and will be remembered for holding the Thursday 1:09 tee off time at Paxton Park for over 30 years where he enjoyed the fellowship of his life-long friends.

Dr. Stivers is survived by his wife, Dorothy Montgomery Stivers; a daughter, Susan McGrath and husband Brian of Boise, ID; two sons, Dr. Stephen M. Stivers and wife Annette of Paducah and Robert Lloyd Stivers of Shanghai, China and wife Kathryn of Paducah.

Eight grandchildren, Neill McGrath, Christopher McGrath, Colin McGrath, Tristan McGrath, Tamara Stivers, Nicole Stivers, Sarah Franklin and Jack Radford; three great grandchildren, Kennedy Franklin, Conner Franklin and Keaton Franklin.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Rae Rouch. His parents were Earl B. Stivers and Dorothy Karsten Stivers.

He leaves a lasting and significant legacy that is a testament to his compassion and dedication to serve his country and help others.

He was a hero to his family, mentor to many, and loving friend and role model to all that knew him. He will be missed. Rest in Peace.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. J. Gottman officiating.

Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

The Stivers family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, October 15, 2012 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to: First Christian Church of Paducah 415 Audubon Dr. Paducah, KY 42001 and to: St. Nicholas Family Clinic 1901 Kentucky Ave. Paducah, KY 42003.

You may light a candle of remembrance and leave a message of sympathy at www.milnerandorr.com