Rubin Picket Wooten

Rubin Picket Wooten, age 91, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025.  He was born in Laurel, MS and was a resident of Slidell, LA for over 30 years.  Previously he spent 20 years in Ellisville, MS and then returned to Slidell for his final 7 years at Park Provence assisted living.

Rubin joined the Navy in 1952 during the Korean War, reached Radarman 2nd Class, and was honorably discharged in 1956.  He received his Bachelor of Science in Math and Education from Mississippi State University and did post graduate work in Math and Computer Science there and at Southern Mississippi.  In his decades long career he was an Associate Engineer for Boeing Airplane Company in Wichita, Kansa, an early computer programmer for RCA Service Company at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida, an Applied Math Specialist for Chrysler Corporation Space Division in Slidell, LA, and finally as a Project Engineer and Lead Programmer for Naval Ocean Research and Development Activity at National Space Technology Laboratories in Mississippi. 

Although Rubin received many awards over the years, the one he cherished most was the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Apollo Achievement Award in appreciation of “dedicated service and as a member of the team that advanced the nations capabilities in aeronautics and space and culminated in man’s first landing on the moon.” 

“Coach Rubin” served as a basketball coach in Slidell Evening Lions Club for 6 years, a football coach in the Slidell Youth Football Association for 6 years, and a Bantam Baseball coach for 4 years.  “King Rubin” reigned as King Samaritan for the Krewe of Slidellians, King Perseus for the Krewe of Perseus, and finally King of the Park Provence Mardi Gras Ball. 

Rubin was a former member of the First United Methodist Church of Slidell, a charter member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, and finally a member of First United Methodist Church, Ellisville, MS.  Rubin loved to dance even when he reached 90 years old and was quick to play on words, his favorite lines being “If I die, I’ll never talk to you again.” and “I’m OK – an Old Kid”.

He was preceded in death by his wife of over 63 years: Evelyn Moss, mother: Opal Bailey Wooten, father: John Henry Wooten Sr., and brother: John Henry Wooten Jr.

Rubin is survived by his two sons: Charles and Michael, his two girls Sandra and Terri, and his grandson: Charles Wooten Jr.

He will be laid to rest with his wife at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery with Military Honors on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

Arrangements entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, Covington, LA.

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