Gerald Rutledge Obituary

LTC Gerald E. Rutledge, U.S. Army retired, formerly of Lawrence, KS, died December 10, 2017 at home with his family in Whitestown, Indiana.

He was born May 12, 1934, in Louisville, KY. He graduated from Tucson High School, in Tucson, AZ in 1952 and earned a B.S. Degree in Engineering from the University of Arizona in 1957 and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Arizona in 1974. He was a long time member of many military and civic organizations, most currently including the American Legion Post 3410 in Whitestown, IN, the Special Forces Association, VFW "Green Berets" Chapter XXIX, Eagle Church in Zionsville, IN and the Zionsville Lions Club.

LTC Rutledge was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1957 and was later commissioned as a Regular Army Officer in 1963. During his 23 years of military service, he had overseas assignments in Bolivia, Panama, Belgium, and two combat tours in Vietnam. His military education included U.S. Army Engineer Officer Career course, U.S. Airborne School, U.S. Air Force Jungle Warfare Course, and the U. S. Army Command and General Staff College.

Awards and Decorations include: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf, Purple Heart, Meritous Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Stars, Vietnam Honor Medal 1st class, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, 3-Army Unit Citations, Republic of Vietnam Cross of gallantry, Parachute Badge, and the Expert Rifle Badge.

He is Survived by his wife Ruthie Rutledge, Whitestown, IN, his half-brother Robert Rutledge, Louisville, KY, his daughter Ann Brady, Tucson, AZ, his two sons Arthur and Jay Rutledge, both of Tucson, AZ, two step daughters Monique Clupper of Whitestown, IN and Cynthia Sinkler of Mukwonago, WI, and one step son, Craig Buckels of Lawrence, KS. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Gerald was predeceased by his daughter Jessica Rutledge in November 2000.

LTC G. E. Rutledge will be memorialized at The Connect Church in Lawrence, KS, and will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery on dates yet to be determined.