Walter Rutledge II

Walter James Rutledge II, 88 years old, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away on Friday, August 9, 2024. He was born on June 15, 1936, in Newark, Arkansas to the late Walter and Clara Rutledge. Walter graduated from Batesville High School and Arkansas College (Lyon College) with a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Economics. He also graduated from Louisiana State University's Banking School of the South. During his college years, he was involved in various organizations and was in the band.

From 1954 to 1962, Walter served in the Arkansas National Guard and was honorably discharged as a sergeant.

During his career, he worked for 14 years at Commercial Credit Corporation. Became Senior Vice President at Warren Bank & Trust Company, and served on the Board of Directors and as Executive Vice President of Portland Bank. He also served as Vice President of First National Bank of Batesville and Bank of Malvern.

Mr. Rutledge was a board member of the Warren Rotary Club and various other organizations and held leadership positions in the churches where he worshiped. He was an active member of Diamondhead Community Church, sang in the choir, and passed his love of singing and playing trumpet to his son and grandsons.

Walter enjoyed playing golf, building model airplanes and model ships, and vacationing at Orange Beach, Alabama with family and friends. In his later years, he cherished the companionship of his cat, Bonnie.

Bobbye, his loving wife of 58 years, proceeded him in death.

He is survived by his children, April (Kenny) Howsen and Trey (Kim) Rutledge, and his grandchildren, Tyler (Lauren) Howsen, Whitney (Chris) Cassidy, Chase Grinnell, and Austin Rutledge, as well as his great-grandchildren, Charlie, Caroline, and Hank, along with extended family and numerous friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Diamondhead Community Church, 140 Highway 171, Hot Springs, AR 71913.

Walter will be laid to rest in Batesville, AR with a private graveside service.