He was born June 15, 1932 in Pocahontas, Arkansas to Edward and Quida (Argo) Rutledge.
He married Norma Jean Montgomery on January 15, 1951 in Peoria. She passed away September 9, 2009 in Peoria. He was also preceded in death by his parents, two sons: Bryon, Dennis, three sisters and one brother.
Survivors include two daughters: March (Ken) Williamson of Texas, Karen (Chuck) Cross of Bartonville, one son, Roger (Annette) Rutledge of Peoria, one daughter-in-law, Phyllis Rutledge of East Peoria, 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.
Bob was a very active Democrat and loyal union supporter. He was a member of the Bartonville American Legion Post 979 for many years.
Bob joined the Navy in 1951 thru 1955 during the Korean War. From there he went to work at Hanna City Radar Base for 10 years. IN 1964 he joined the Peoria Fire Department where he retired as Captain in 1987. Along with the Fire Department Bob worked for the Heat and Frost Insulators Local 17 from 1966 to 1995. He enjoyed both jobs and the many friendships he made along the way. He loved to attend his Navy reunions especially when Norma was alive.
Bob enjoyed racing out at the Peoria Speedway form 1956 to 1964.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the Villas of Holly Brook in Bartonville and OSF Hospice program.
Visitation will be Wednesday, March 3, 2021 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel. Cremation rites will take place following the visitation with entombment to be Friday March 5, 2021 at 10 a.m. at the Chapel of Peace Mausoleum in Parkview Cemetery in Peoria with full Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Peoria Alzheimer’s Chapter or the Peoria Animal Shelter due to Bobs love for animals.
You may view Bob’s obituary online at www.davison-fultonbartonvillechapel.com
