Monday, January 31, 2011

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.

6 comments:

  1. R.I.P unlce lee you are missed so much and we all love you so much!!! we all think about you everyday!!! you will always be my hero!!!!!! I love you so much!!!

    love kalynn!!!

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  2. I ALWAYS PRAY ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY AND EVERY SECOND OF MY DAY!!!! YOU WERE AND ALWAYS WIL BE MY HERO AND I JUST WANTED EVERYONE TO KNOW THAT!!!!!!!! I LOVE AND MISS YOU EVERY DAY THAT GOES BY!!!! AND KNOW THAT YOU WERE VERY LOVED!!!!!

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  3. Leon brought 2 children into the marriage Glinda And George.. Virigina brought 4 children David, Linda ,Danny And Kathy.Then they adopted Lee-Ann.

    This is how it should read.

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  4. Not a single day goes by that your not thought of, and missed . Thing are still the same as when you left. Only much worse cause your not here..
    I love you Daddy
    Glinda

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  5. We have serched for you and family for years. So sorry we lost you. Ginny please contact us soon. Love the hendersons.

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  6. Glinda its lrene henderson . Looking for virginia we lost touch years ago. Please post me on facebook. So sorry to hear aboout you dad . We loved him rich died in 1996. David tonia and laura annalee named after them. Please try to reach me love you all so much time has passed. Let's get in touch!!!!

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