John Derek Rutherford

John Derek Rutherford, 36, of Midland, passed away Sunday, February 26, 2017. John was born in Midland, Texas to Walter and Sandra Rutherford on June, 29, 1980. He was raised in Midland, Texas and attended Robert E. Lee High School.

John was the baby of the family. He was the youngest of four children, the baby of the first cousin trio and the last to join the extended cousin gang of eight. He enjoyed the most amazing childhood, growing up in a small, tight-knit family. He spent summers in east Texas, fishing alongside his Papaw, tending garden with his Mimi and making mud pies with his brother Chad and cousin Courtney. Holidays were spent terrorizing the neighborhood with his gang of cousins and listening to family members sing and play guitar.

John was an outstanding cook, inheriting his good southern cooking technique from his Mama and was a skillful handyman like his Daddy. He enjoyed many hobbies during his life from cooking, hunting, fishing to woodworking. His greatest blessing came when he became a father. His son Logan and daughter Ashlyn were certainly his pride and joy. It was obvious to anyone close to John that he loved them deeply and was incredibly proud of them.

John is preceded in death by his father Walter Lee Rutherford, brother William Chad Hutchings and both sets of grandparents.

John is survived by his mother Sandra Sue Rutherford of Midland, son Logan Chance Rutherford and daughter Ashlyn Grace Rutherford of Midland, sister Cherry Mikeska of Abilene, brother Alan Rutherford of Montgomery and several aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins.

Visitation is scheduled for 6-8 pm, Thursday, March 2nd at Ellis Funeral Home in Midland. The funeral will take place at 11:00 am, Friday, March 3rd at Calvary Assembly of God in Midland, followed by a graveside service at Fairview Cemetery. There will be a memorial reception at the church following the conclusion of the graveside service. All family and friends are invited.

Please direct any memorials to Teen Challenge of Midland at 4405 N Garfield St # 509, Midland, TX 79705.