Charles "Tom" Thomas Rubins

Charles Thomas "Tom" Rubins Age 78, of Vandalia, passed away Saturday, January 31, 2015. Tom was born September 20, 1936 in Kenton, Ohio to the late Charles Richard & Nevelda Ruth (Schneider) Rubins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Joy (Waddle) Rubins. Tom was an Eagle Scout and attended Ohio Northern University where he earned his BS in Physics & Mathematics in 2 ½ years. He worked for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as the United States leading expert on Russian infra-red airplane technology. He developed the infra-red tracking system used by the US Air Force in the first Gulf War that allowed American pilots to see enemy planes at night and is credited for his role in winning that war. Under President Reagen, he was the technical expert on the four person Russian arms reduction negotiation team, referred to as "Star Wars." To this day, almost all of his work remains highly classified. He spoke Hebrew, Russian & German. Tom was very active in the community. He helped develop the Vandalia Sports Complex and the youth baseball program. He served on the Parks and Recreation Board for many years. In addition, he was a master rosarian judge and was active in the Montgomery and Clark County rose Society. He was a great hockey fan and was on the board for the International Silver Stick committee, in addition to coaching and refereeing for the Dayton Amateur Hockey Association. Tom is survived by three children, Tamme Rubins Hafer (Russ), C. Garth Rubins (Peggi) and Paige Rubins Puterbaugh (Rod); grandchildren, Drake Hafer, Dr. Breanne Hafer Bleakmore (Charles), Devan Hafer, Trey Hafer, Molly Ryon Rubins, Abigail Rubins, Dane Puterbaugh and Dylan Puterbaugh; his great grandson, Greyson Bleakmore; and by two sisters, Susan Dugan (John) & Dolores Diane "DeDe" Hecker (Tom). A gathering of family & friends will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., Sunday, March 1, at the Vandalia Recreation Center, 1111 Stonequarry Road, Dayton, Ohio 45414. In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made in memory of Tom to the Vandalia Butler Foundation, P. O. Box 722, Vandalia, Ohio 45377. Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, Vandalia, is in charge of arrangements.