Curt Rutledge, United States Marine

Curt Rutledge was born August 16, 1946. He passed away on February 26, 2011, at the age of 64, at his home in Georgetown, Texas, in the arms of his dear wife, Mo.

Curt proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He served in Vietnam as a Corporal and was a recipient of the Purple Heart.

Curt was a career educator, having taught eighth grade students for over 30 years. He was a scholar of History, Geography and United States Government. He was an amazing athlete, a long distance runner and bicyclist. He was a member of the Sun City Striders running club.

Curt was a volunteer for the Georgetown Animal Shelter. He was known as the “dog whisperer” there. Almost daily he would take shelter dogs for long runs around the nearby San Gabriel Park. He also donated his photography to the shelter to be auctioned at their annual Arts for Animals fund raising event.

Curt was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears.

Curt and his wife were world travelers and visited countries all over the world. One of Curt’s greatest pleasures in recent years was to run with his Red Heeler dog, Teddy, on the rural trails in the Sun City area of Georgetown. It was on one of these runs that Teddy discovered some poisoned meat, set out for coyotes. It took his life.

During the last nine months of Curt’s life, he endured two brain surgeries and numerous other procedures to help stave off his impending death from a brain tumor.

Curt’s ashes have been mixed with those of Teddy and are to be spread on the trail where they ran together, and at Lake Linwood in Minnesota.

On March 25, 2011 a memorial service was held for Curt at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas. In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter during the service.

The many family and friends who gathered there to remember Curt said The Lord’s Prayer. A friend of Curt told of the many ways Curt had touched the lives of all those present, many of whom were holding small American flags.

Two United States Marine Corps Sergeants carefully unfolded the American flag that laid next to Curt’s urn. A Navy Petty Officer played taps. The flag was then refolded into the traditional triangle and presented to Mo, Curt’s dear “spousal unit”, on behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps and a grateful nation as thanks for Curt’s years of faithful service.

Flying at half-staff on the hill above, in his honor, was the American Flag.

Left to cherish his memory are Mo, two step-sons, five grandchildren and numerous other dear family and friends. His two sons, Danny and Scott, had predeceased him.


Semper Fi, Curt. Rest in peace.