Earl T Rutherford

Earl Thomas Rutherford, age 92, of Springfield, died at 11:20 am on Monday, January 3, 2011 at Menard Convalescence Center in Petersburg.

He was born November 29, 1918 in Hillsboro, IL, the son of Earl Thomas and Marguerite Alma (Hardy) Rutherford. His father died December 12, 1918, and his mother remarried Harold Page on July 4, 1921. After two dates, Earl married Marie Elizabeth Books on November 17, 1945 at St. John’s Lutheran Church. She preceded him in death April 2, 2003. He was also preceded in death by one son, Stephen Earl, great granddaughter Madlyn Lenae Holmes, his parents and 3 sisters. He loved his family dearly and cherished his wife.

He graduated from Springfield High School in 1937. He was a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and served from June 2, 1942 until June 8, 1945. He retired in 1985 after 23 years as a letter carried for the U.S. Postal Service. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Earl is survived by two daughters; Linda (Larry) Schleyhahn of Pleasant Plains, Kathy Rutherford of Springfield; three grandchildren: Floyd (Jodi) Schleyhahn of Pawnee, Thomas Rodden, Elizabeth Rodden; two great grandchildren: Ariyanna Rodden and Janiah Lofton all of Springfield, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 10:00 am until 11:00 am Thursday, January 6, 2011 at St. John’s Lutheran Church 2477 W. Washington, Springfield, IL

Funeral Services: 11:00 am Thursday at the church with Rev. Paul Olson officiating.

Graveside Service: 10:00 am Friday Camp Butler National Cemetery Rev. Paul Olson officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Inter-Veterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.

Those that wish may direct memorial contributions to St. John’s Lutheran Church or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bisch and Son Funeral Home 544-5424