Carl Ernest Rutledge

Carl Ernest Rutledge, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away (found peace in the Lord’s Light) on August 11, 2011 in his home following a spirited battle with illness. He was 66. Services will be at 1:00 P.M. Monday, August 15, 2011 at the First Baptist Church in Canadian, TX with Reverend Dwight Reagan, officiating. Burial will follow in Edith Ford Memorial Cemetery in Canadian, TX under the direction of Hughs Funeral Home of Canadian, TX. Carl began his life in Canadian where he grew from childhood to early adulthood. He served honorably in the Army before returning to Texas Tech University to earn a BA in Agricultural Economics in 1971. Carl, a man’s man, earned his way through life as a masterful carpenter, a hard working farmer and rancher, and ultimately as meat inspector for the State of Texas. His fondest memories centered on faith, family, his hobbies and enjoying life. Carl was an avid football fan and Red Raider fanatic. His defining moment as a Texas Tech fan occurred on January 2, 2010 when he was selected to go onto the field and meet the players, cheerleaders and mascot following a Red Raider’s victory at the Valero Alamo Bowl. He also enjoyed going on cruises. Despite being diagnosed with ALS in October 2009, Carl seized the opportunity to go on one final voyage with his bride, daughters and sister, Mary last summer, creating a cherished memory for all. Carl, Bettye and family met the challenges of ALS courageously with a commitment to living life to its fullest. They made many new friends along that journey, drawing strength and inspiration from taking part in ALS support groups and philanthropic events. The pallbearers are to be Chaz Rutledge, Joseph Morgan, Roland Schaub, Samuel Rodriguez, Alan Rutledge and Ron Rutledge. He was preceded by his deeply missed mother and father Jack and Katherine Rutledge and his dear brother Jackie, all of Canadian, Texas. Carl is survived by his devoted wife Bettye a long time resident of Flatonia, Texas, his loving daughters, Carla Schaub and her husband Roland and their children Kendal and Jack of Lampasas, Texas, and Jennie Ruth Rodriguez and her husband Major Samuel Rodriguez of Tokyo, Japan. He is also survived by his stepson, Brent Etlinger and wife Janet and their children Henry and Ella of Austin, Texas. He will also be deeply missed by his sisters Mary and Beth and their families, numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and a great many close friends. The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 14, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hughs Funeral Home, 203 South 3rd St., Canadian, TX 79014. The family suggests memorials be made to The ALS Association South Texas Chapter, 8600 Wurzbach, Suite 700, San Antonio, TX 78240.