Paul Edward Rutherford

© Tahlequah Daily Press Tahlequah, Oklahoma November 14, 2011

Submitted by: Jo Aguirre

PARK HILL – Services for Paul Edward Rutherford will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011, at Reed-Culver Funeral Home, with Pastor Perry Jamison of Victorious Life Outreach officiating. Interment will follow at Tahlequah City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 14, 2011.

Pallbearers include T.J. Rutherford, Colton Hamby, Larry James Ashmore Jr., Joel Sherrill, Trent Elliott, Steve Worth, Raymond Thompson, and Clint Garland.

Honorary pallbearers include Ray Southerland, Steven Butler, Larry Shankle, Brendon Ashmore, Bow Hunter Rush, and Jamie Rush.

Paul Edward Rutherford was born on March 7, 1925, in Watson, W.V., the son of Esker Thomas and Mary Pearl (Kenney) Rutherford. He served as a co-pilot in a B-17 during World War II in the U.S. Army Air Force. He was honorably discharged and returned to the Las Vegas area where he married his sweetheart, Nanette Tyer, on Sept. 13, 1945.

Together, they raised three children, Paula, Patti, and Tom, and shared 66 years together. Paul and his wife built Thunderbird Bowling Lanes in Tahlequah, and ran the family business from 1960 until 2004.

Paul was content just to be with his wife and children. He possessed a wonderful sense of humor, and was generous to all he met and lovable in his personality. He was happy just to be around his children and grandchildren, sharing a laugh, and being outdoors. Paul participated in bowling leagues, square dancing with Nan, and golfing.

He was a Christian by faith, and attended Victorious Life Outreach with his family.

He lost his beloved Nan on Sept. 22, 2011, and longed to be with her again. The Lord called Paul to his eternal rest on Nov. 10, 2011, at his home in Park Hill with his family at his side. Paul was 86 years old.

Paul will be greatly missed by his family, his grandchildren, and his favorite feline companion, Sam.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Nan, and his sister Maxine Rutherford , who died in childhood.

Paul will be remembered by his three children, Paula Butler and husband Steve of Nashville, Tenn., Patti Shankle and husband Larry of Tahlequah, and Tom Rutherford and wife Elaina of Park Hill. He is also survived by two sisters-in law, Charlette Self of Nashville, Tenn., and Margaret Coin of Bethany. Paul's legacy lives on in his four grandchildren, Larry Ashmore Jr. and wife Tessy, Marcie Rush and husband Jamie of Peoria, T.J. Rutherford and fiancé Hailee Grimes, and Holli Rutherford, both of Park Hill, OK. He also leaves four great-grandchildren, Brendon Ashmore, Emma Ashmore, Nikota Rush, and Bow Hunter Rush; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved ones.

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