Richard Wirt Rutledge

Richard, W. Rutledge, 96 of Alpha, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at home.  Cremation has been accorded and there is no visitation.  Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Friday October 28, 2022 at the Alpha Cemetery. Reverend Karna Peterson will officiate and Military Rites will be conducted.   Memorial contributions can be left to the Alpha Cemetery Association, Alpha United Methodist Church or the Oxford American Legion Post 1197. Online condolences may be left at www.petersonwallinknox.com   

He was born September 27, 1926 in Galesburg, IL to Melvin S. and Mabel Wirt Rutledge. He attended the Alpha schools where he was active on the football, basketball and track teams.  He graduated from AlWood High School in 1944.  He married Doris Falline June 30, 1948 in New Windsor.  She passed away October 12, 2020.  Richard served in the U.S. Navy during WW II after which he attended the University of Illinois, graduating in 1950.

Dick started his business R.W. Rutledge Landscape Service in 1951 and later added Rutledge Nursery to it.  He loved his nursery and the many friends he made in his career.

He was a 35-year member of the Dew Dusters Golf Group at Bunker Links, Galesburg and was a charter member of the Gator Creek Golf Club in Sarasota, FL.  He was a member of the Oxford American Legion Post 1197, Masonic Lodge and the Alpha United Methodist Church.  He was a long-time member of the Alpha Cemetery Board.

Golf was Dick’s passion.  He had eight holes in one, tied the course record at Credit Island in Davenport with a 63 and won a president’s cup in Sarasota, FL; two club championships in Bunker Links won the Heart Charity Tournament in Galesburg; partnered with Tony Kindred at the Turkey Tournament for the win at Sunkist County Club, Valosky, MS.

He is survived by one daughter, Diane Schrepple of Dawsonville, Georgia, one granddaughter, Abi (Larry) Schaefer of Austin, Texas, one grandson, Richard (Jennifer) Schrepple of Hoschton, Georgia, one great granddaughter, Emma Schrepple, one great grandson lovingly expected, two nieces, Jill (Terry) Nelson of Woodhull, IL. and Gaye ( Steve) Norberg of Alpha, IL.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Doris; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Erika Rutledge; two brothers, Robert and Sidney; nephew, Scott Falline.