Harry J. Rutherford

His heavenly Father called Harry John Rutherford, a longtime Austin resident; home on December 18, 2009. Harry was born in Camden, New Jersey on September 3, 1929, to his father, Harry Martin Rutherford, and his mother, Laura Florence Rutherford. The family moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, when Harry was a small child and he graduated from Northeast High School of that city in 1947. Harry left Philadelphia in May of 1950 in search of opportunities. He visited kin in Natchez, Mississippi, and came to Austin, Texas, a month later. He married Florence Florentine Fuerbacher of Austin on February 10, 1954, and they were happily married until her death from cancer in 1974. Harry was hired at the Texas Department of Health print shop in 1957. He retired thirty-two years later, as bindery supervisor. He married Texas Department of Health co-worker Tonita Baker Rutherford on December 6, 1976, and they were happily married until her death in 2002. Harry was known among friends and family for his quiet and deep devotion to his Christian faith. He was a longtime active member of Genesis Presbyterian Church in Austin, and was an Elder of the church. Two sisters, Laura Boess of Delon, New Jersey, and Kathryn Jennings of West Virginia, and numerous nieces and nephews survive Harry Rutherford. He is also survived by three step-sons, Tom Doyal of Austin, Texas; Reverend Odis Doyal and wife Carol and their family of Devine, Texas; and Charles Michael Doyal and wife Diana and their family of Sierra Blanca, Texas. It was Harry's wish that, in lieu of flowers, friends and family make memorial donations to Genesis Presbyterian Church of 1507 Wilshire Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78722. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 21, 2009 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 22, 2009, at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel. Interment will follow at Austin Memorial Park.