Rory Graham Putman passed away peacefully in Palm Springs, CA, on the evening of Saturday, September 6, 2025 holding the hands of his loved ones. He was born on April 2, 1953, in Fort Gordon, Georgia, to Nelda and Richard Putman.

Rory grew up an “army brat” and was the lucky seventh of eight children. Before his elementary years began, his family moved multiple times between Japan and the United States before settling in La Mirada, CA, where he started kindergarten at La Pluma Elementary. His fondest childhood memories included playing flag football for the La Mirada Eagles, roaming Disneyland on his own at just twelve years old, and adventuring through storm drains.

In junior high, Rory’s family moved to Palm Springs, where he attended Nellie Coffman and Palm Springs High School. At PSHS, he played both baseball and football, excelling as the team’s star quarterback. Described as mild-mannered off the field but a beast on it, his natural athleticism and love for the game allowed him to shine. He graduated in 1971 and went on to play football at College of the Desert before joining the Navy in 1974. Stationed in Maine, he served until 1976, including a tour in Rota, Spain, and later continued his service in the Naval Reserve in San Diego.

While in the Reserve, Rory enrolled at San Diego State University, earning his degree in Business Administration. During that time, he crossed paths with old friends who offered him a place to stay, part-time work, and most importantly, introduced him to the love of his life, Martha.

Rory and Martha married and built their life together in Palm Springs, raising three daughters. His simple desire was always the health and happiness of his girls. He devoted more than 40 years to his work, including many years overseeing operations and finances in construction, and later as a professional long-haul driver. In every role, he was reliable and hard-working. His greatest accomplishment was the love and stability he gave his family through all his years of hard work.

Rory had a deep love for the great outdoors—what he fondly referred to as “Mother Earth and Father Sky.” He enjoyed boating, waterskiing, hiking, and camping, and believed Yosemite to be the most beautiful place on Earth. Rory shared this passion with his family, taking them to explore the same local canyons he had once hiked as a young man alongside his high school friends—many of whom remained close to him throughout his life.

Rory's charming wit, bold humor, and one-line catch phrases were some of the best traits about him. He had a presence that filled every room, leaving a lasting impression on all who were there. Rory will be remembered as a devoted son, father, husband, brother, grandfather, and friend. His life was a testament to perseverance, loyalty, duty, and a steadfast love reserved for the family and friends he cherished most. He will be remembered in the hearts and prayers of all who loved him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Martha; daughters Erin (son-in-law John), Mary (son-in-law Tommy), and Shawna; grandchildren Joan, Clare, Anna, Magdalene, Joseph, Lucy, John Philip, and Rory, Mack, Jude, and Ruth; siblings Nancy, Rhett, and Chris. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Nelda; siblings Richard, Zo, Linda, and Joe.

Rory’s services will be held at Sacred Heart Church, 43775 Deep Canyon Rd, Palm Desert, CA on Friday, September 19. Rosary at 10AM. Mass at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully welcomes your thoughts and prayers during this time.

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