Thomas Page Rutherford

As a family man he was a loving husband to his wife, Duma, for 63 years. He was also a firm but caring father. He provided a positive example to his five children of what it meant to live an honorable, disciplined, compassionate, and god fearing life. His commitment to his family was proven many times, in particular, in the number of times he rescued his children who were broken down late at night on the side of the road.

As committed as he was to his family, he was also committed to God and the church. He accepted the Lord as his savior at Berean Baptist Church in Houston when he was a teenager. He became very active in the church and later served as chairman of the deacons. As a member of Garden Oaks Baptist Church he taught Sunday School and served on the Finance Committee. Later in life he was an active member of First Baptist Church of Houston where he worked in outreach, served as a class director and served as a greeter where he welcomed all who came with a smile and a friendly handshake.

Tom was also a very active member of his community. He worked for many years as a scout master, did volunteer work with the Junior Achievement Program, participated in the neighborhood civic club as a block captain, and performed patrol duties through the citizen’s on watch program. He also cared about his neighbors and looked after their homes while they were away.

During his working years, Tom was employed in the Product Engineering Department at the Hughes Tool Company. He retired in 1987 after 43 years of service. Hughes Tool, later called Baker Hughes, called Tom out of retirement for several months to provide consulting services to the company’s offices in Ireland and France.

Tom had many hobbies including gardening, fishing, golfing, bowling, traveling and spending time with his family.

He will be terribly missed by the many family members and friends who were touched by his warm spirit, sense of humor, wise guidance, and caring nature.

He is survived by his wife Duma Wells Rutherford; son Barry Rutherford and wife Debbie; daughter Laurie Rutherford; daughter Carol and husband Clint Patterson; daughter Sheryl and husband Mike Jackson; son Brian and wife Nellie Rutherford; grandchildren Eric and wife Megan Rutherford; Ryan Rutherford; Kayla, Brandon and Tyler Patterson.

He was preceded in death by his father, T.B. Rutherford, mother, Ophelia Modesette, and brother, Calvin Rutherford.

A memorial celebration of Tom's life will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, May 17, at First Baptist Church of Houston, 7401 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024-2199.

The family would like to recognize and thank the staff at Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital and Odyssey HealthCare of Houston for the professional and compassionate services they provided to Tom during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Missions Fund at First Baptist Church of Houston, 7401 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024-2199.