Robert Derutte

[PNG Proud]

I just learned that we lost another former Indian, Robert DeRutte. He played around 1977-79, somewhere in there.
If I remember correctly, he was drafted out of PE class by one of the coaches to play, because of his size and speed. And boy, was he fast! Everyone equated him to a deer, because he was so agile and quick, but he would sure hit ya!

RIP my friend.

 

[IndianFan]

Robert was a senior on the 77 team and played safety. 6’7” 200 and ran a 4.6 40.


That 77 defense set interception records and he was a big reason. All-District, PA News Super Team, All-State in 1977, DeRutte played for the LSU Tigers in college.


Sad to hear.

 

[prepballfan]

We have lost a lot of great Indians the last couple of years

 

[IndianFan]

Howard Kern, a standout offensive lineman on that 77 team, passed away in 2010.

 

[PNG Proud]

Robert was a great guy! We had a lot of fun fishing and scuba diving over the years after high school.

 

[1989NDN]

Obituary from the online edition of The Port Arthur News (December 3, 2018):

Robert Keith DeRutte
Published 2:14 pm Monday, December 3, 2018

On Thursday November 29, 2018 Robert Keith DeRutte passed away at the age of 58. Robert was born in Beaumont, Texas February 5, 1960 to Lola and Gene DeRutte. Robert was an exemplary athlete. He excelled at track and field, basketball and football at Port Neches Groves High School. He received a full football scholarship to LSU where he played safety. Robert spent most of his adult years working at several refineries in Port Arthur and Port Neches. He loved working and took great pride in his work and in everything he did. His greatest passion was fishing. As a young boy, he had an uncanny ability to catch fish when no one else was. Whether it was salt-water or fresh, he knew his stuff. But the thing that was really special about this fisherman was he shared his catch with all his friends. It was one of the most endearing things about him. Robert loved helping his friends. He had a heart of gold and he will be missed by many. Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Lola. He is survived by his father Gene, his brother Ronnie, his sister Michelle, his son Corey, his step-son Daniel, many cousins and a nephew. There will be no funeral services at Robert’s request but there will be a celebration of his life in the near future. Contributions can be made to an account at Community Bank of Texas. The funds will be used for a PNG athletic scholarship in Robert’s name (Robert DeRutte Scholarship Fund).

 

[IndianFan]

May the Lord heal the hearts and minds of his family who miss him tremendously.


Robert was part of a PNG football era that will be difficult to ever match much less exceed. 1974-1977 is the definition of greatness. DeRutte was only part of that 77 team, but his part in PN-G football lore is forever.


DeRutte, Brack, Eicher, Shipley, Delcambre, Fry, Ethridge, Cooley, Kern, Coplen, Plaia, and all the others that aren’t on the tip of my thoughts were all part of that outstanding 77 team, and will never be forgotten.


Robert DeRutte was added to the unofficial PN-G Football Hall of Honor years ago. If you have time, visit that list and honor the memory of those individuals, some still with us, by reflecting on their achievements to our favorite sport and high school team.


http://www.pngindians.com/football/hall-of-honor/

 

[IndianFan]

Robert is on the left of first row.

Top Row: Bruce Miller (DL), Jeff Cooley (OL), Howard Kern (OL), Mark Moss (DE), Ted Brack (LB), Clint Lough (OL).
Bottom Row: Robert DeRutte (S), Justin Eicher (TB), Head Coach Doug Ethridge, James Shipley (FB), Ronnie Delcambre (WR)

 

[1989NDN]

Great find, IndianFan...that picture captured a ton of talent. OL, RB, WR, DL/DE, LB, DB...and the best coach ever to wear purple and white. Sad to think that three of those players have passed away. Life it short and time flies as we get older.

Go Indians. Peace.

 

[IndianFan]

Great find, IndianFan...that picture captured a ton of talent. OL, RB, WR, DL/DE, LB, DB...and the best coach ever to wear purple and white. Sad to think that three of those players have passed away. Life it short and time flies as we get older.

Go Indians. Peace.

Kern and DeRutte. I didn't realize that another had passed. Who was the 3rd?

 

[1989NDN]

Mark Moss. Per the alumni web page for the PN-G Class of 1978, he died in 2009 from a heart attack. In the Astrodomination materials, he was listed in the In Memorial section. Sad. Too soon. A small but feisty DE.

Go Indians. Peace.

 

[IndianFan]

I didn't notice that since I never got the Astrodomination package.


Much too young for all of them. Life is precious and this illustrates how every day alive is a gift.

 

[IndianFan]

BTW, for anyone who didn't know or recognize that group of old players, I added their names under the photo above.

 

[PNG Proud]

I didn't notice that since I never got the Astrodomination package.


Much too young for all of them. Life is precious and this illustrates how every day alive is a gift.

What is this? a separate site?

 

[IndianFan]

That’s what they named the compilation of PA News articles and a thumb drive with the 70s playoff games.

 

[PNG Proud]

Thanks