Leon M. Rutledge, United States Army Veteran

Leon Rutledge passed away on December 4, 2010 at Killeen, Texas after a long battle with cancer. In honor of his wishes his body was donated to science to continue the fight against cancer.

A memorial service with military honors was held on January 28, 2011 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen. In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders. The Riders formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter during the service, to honor yet another fallen veteran.

The memorial service commenced with Leon’s pastor telling his life story. He told of how Leon was born in El Paso, Texas on December 29, 1939 and of how Leon served his country in the United States Army, as a NCO. He told of how Leon went on to a career as an Executive Housekeeper, from which he retired. He told of Leon’s marriage to Virginia forty-five years ago, and of the two children he brought to that marriage, of Virginia's four children under the age of seven that she brought to their union, and of Lee-Ann, their cherished adopted daughter. He told of the twenty grandchildren, and the eighteen great-grandchildren, most of whom were crowded around the shelter during the service. He told of the patience that Leon was known for, and the love he had from all who knew him.

The pastor concluded the memorial service with the reading of “Remembrance” and a final prayer.

The United States Army Honor Guard bestowed military honors on Leon Rutledge. The Army bugler played taps. The Honor Guard folded the American flag into the traditional triangle and presented to Leon’s beloved wife on behalf of the United States Army and a grateful nation, as the family looked on.

Leon’s silver urn was then sealed into a niche of the columbarium wall as the American flag on the hill above flew at half-staff.

Left to cherish his memory are his large family, other dear relatives and many dear friends.

Remembrance

You can shed tears that he is gone,
or you can smile because he has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that he'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see he has left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see him,
or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him and only that he's gone,
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back,
or you can do what he'd want...

smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

With thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information and to Amanda McCurdy Carter for additional photography.