Herbert “Leo” Rutledge, 92, Jonesboro, passed away at 4:12 pm on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Wesleyan Health Care & Rehabilitation Center in Marion. He was born in Surgoinsville, Tennessee, on Thursday, June 7, 1934, to William and Margie (Gilreath) Rutledge. On December 1, 1956, he married Peggy Ann Rogers, and they shared 41 years together until she preceded him in death. In 1997, he married Loretta A. Hawkins and she survives.
Leo worked at Glass Containers and was a member of Liberty Baptist Church. He enjoyed woodworking, traveling, fishing, and spending time with his remote-control cars. He loved watching tractor pulls and listening to bluegrass and gospel music. Throughout his working years, he was an electrician, drove heavy equipment for Ben Hill Griffin, drove buses for Annett Tour Bus Company, and was self-employed for several years with his own excavation equipment.
Survivors include his wife, Loretta A. Rutledge of Jonesboro; children, Danny Rutledge, Dennis (Debbie) Rutledge, Darrell (Casie) Rutledge, Laurel (Mitch) Gabbard, Kirk (Ellen) Barton, Shelly (Brian) Sills, Christine (Chris) Ailes, Jerry “Lee” (Julie) Barton, Bradley Barton; grandchildren, Ryan, Danielle, Logan, Dereck, Darren, Elizabeth, Garrett, Taylor, Brandon, Amy, Scott, Keith, Andrea, Kaylee, Dustin, Desiree, Tawni, Amanda, Cortney, Brayden, Alanis, Saraya, Josie, Lucas; as well as several great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William E. and Margie G. Rutledge, Sr.; brothers, William E Rutledge, Jr., Gail Rutledge; loving first wife, Peggy Ann Rutledge; and granddaughters, Christy Polk-Buchanan and Brittany Scott.
The family would like to express a special thank you to the Ailes Team Healthcare, especially Patty Monday and Brandy Lanter for their love and tender care of Leo and Loretta.
The family will receive visitors from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Liberty Baptist Church, 517 Church St., Sweetser, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Leo’s life will begin at 11:00 am with Pastor Terry Bishir officiating. Burial will take place at a later time at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lake Placid, Florida.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, Storey Chapel 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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