Wayne K Rutledge

Wayne K. Rutledge was born on August 1, 1923, and passed away peacefully on April 19, 2019. He was the last of 8 children born to Horace & Mary Keeney Rutledge. Longevity was a family characteristic as 5 of their 8 children lived into their 90s. Wayne married Rosalie Schulmeister on December 22, 1944 and celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary prior to her death December 30, 2016. 

Wayne worked hard his entire life. His father passed away at age 50 and at 13 years old, Wayne and his two older brothers were able to keep the family together by farming. He worked a variety of jobs from the farm to later hauling milk with his brother. He served in WW II, from 1942-1944; 2 years 2 months and 2 days as he would tell the story. Upon his return from the service he began to work for his father-in-law, Fred Schulmeister, in the Radio & Appliance Store on 147 W. Main St in Danville. Soon afterward, he took a job with Indiana Gas, now Vectren, and worked there until some health issues forced him to leave. He then started Rutledge Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning in 1968 and successfully ran the business until he retired in 2006. In 1947 he built his own home just south of Danville where he raised his family and lived for 69 years until entering the Village Of Avon Memory Care facility. In their leisure time he and Rosalie started square dancing in 1978 and spent many years kicking up their heels and do-si-doeing all over the state. They started tent camping with the family and later upgraded to 5th wheel trailers and traveled the country. 

Survivors include his children, Suzanne (Dave) Whicker, John Wayne (Barb) Rutledge, David Joe (Sheryl) Rutledge; 5 grandchildren, Tim, Steve & Doug Whicker, Jessica Rutledge Smith & Brittany Rutledge, 9 great grandchildren as well as multiple nieces, nephews and great nieces & great nephews.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Marvin Rutledge, Leroy Rutledge, infant Francis Eugene Rutledge; sisters, Edna Mae Wolfe, Dorothy Atkinson, Marie Higgins and Ruth Adams.

Services will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 in Baker Funeral Home, Danville, with burial to follow in Danville South Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Monday, April 22, 2019 in the funeral home.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to their family fund at Hendricks County Community Foundation "Wayne & Rosalie Schulmeister Rutledge Fund" 6319 E US Hwy 36 Suite 211 Avon, IN 46123. 

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