Jerry F. Rutledge

Mr. Jerry F. Rutledge, of Newport, Arkansas, formerly of Jacksonville, departed this life on Tuesday, November 29, 2011, at the age of 88. He was born July 7, 1923, in Ozark, Arkansas, the son of Mildred Rutledge. After her death in 1930, he grew up in the care of his grandparents Sula and Noonan Rutledge. Mr. Rutledge enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1943. While stationed in Hawaii, he met Miss Valda Woods Milne. They married in Hilo, Hawaii, on June 7, 1947. During his military career, Mr. Rutledge served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1969, attaining the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He then worked for Acme Agriculture in North Little Rock and Helena Chemical Company in Springdale. His passions in life extended beyond the military. Mr. Rutledge was an avid sports fan, known for cheering loudly from his recliner for the New York Mets and New York Yankees. He liked getting his hands dirty on the mound, coaching his son's baseball teams from Little League through high school. When not giving the umpires grief, he spent hours on his fishing boat and tending his garden so that everyone could stop and smell his roses. He also enjoyed the bragging rights of having the best decorated home at Christmas. Mr. Rutledge held a special place in his heart for animals, especially his cat Honey. His home became a refuge for stray cats in the neighborhood, providing several with food, shelter and the occasional visit to the vet. Despite fighting overseas and traveling the globe, his greatest love was his family. He lived well, loved much and laughed often. He will always be remembered for his quick wit and his candor. Mr. Rutledge was affiliated with the First Presbyterian Church in Newport, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Valda Woods (Milne) Rutledge on November 13, 2007. Mr. Rutledge is survived by his children: Debbie and Jim Kosterman of Racine, Wisconsin, Dan and Lee Rutledge of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Dee Dee and Joe DuPree of Newport, Arkansas; seven grandchildren: Rochelle Wood, Amanda Zelan, Shawn Rutledge, Jenny Carney, Jake DuPree, Will DuPree and Jim DuPree; and seven great-grandchildren: Madison Zelan, Shawn Rutledge Jr., Caden Carney, Caroline Zelan, Micaela Carney, Pressley Ann Rutledge and Ava Carney; and his caregivers: Mattie Ellis, Linda Matthews, Sheila Reynolds and Bren Rice. Friends may visit at the funeral home Friday evening, 5-7 p.m. Graveside services are 11 a.m., Saturday at Chapel Hill Memorial Park Cemetery at Jacksonville, Arkansas, with Reverend Alan Ford officiating. The family of Mr. Jerry Rutledge would also like to extend its deepest gratitude to the nurses and staff of the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Dr. Thomas Mulligan and Staff in Jonesboro and Dr. Nicole Lawson and staff of Newport. To leave an online condolence, sign the guestbook or light a memorial candle, visit our website at www.jacksonsfh.com. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home.