Elmwood Cemetery

Woodward, Woodward County, Oklahoma

© Billings Funeral Home
Submitted by: Terry Dudley

Larry Dale Rutledge

April 18, 1944 - September 6, 2026

Larry Dale Rutledge, 82, peacefully passed away on September 6, 2026, leaving a deep void in the hearts of all who knew him. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, September 11, 2026 in Elmwood Cemetery with the Billings Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Born on April 18, 1944, Larry grew up in Woodward and proudly graduated from Woodward High School. He went on to attend and graduate from Oklahoma State University before answering the call to serve his country as an Electronic Warfare Officer in the United States Air Force, Larry carried the values of loyalty, dedication, and integrity with him throughout his entire life.

After returning from his military service, Larry worked alongside his family at their business, Carl's Machine Shop, dedicating many years of hard work there until the shop ultimately closed due to a fire. Larry was also a true man of the land, finding deep purpose and joy working as a farmer and rancher. Outside of the ranch, he was an avid stock market investor, a passionate car enthusiast, and thoroughly enjoyed watching Thunder Basketball, pro and college football, and golfing, bowling, and taking trips to the casino with his close friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Carl Franklin Rutledge and Lily Bronniman Rutledge; his brother, Carl Duane Rutledge and sister-in-law, Jean Gardner Rutledge; his sister, Phyllis Rutledge Kerchner; his nephew, Tracy Rutledge; and his great-nephew, Seth Rutledge.

His legacy of love, service, and laughter lives on in his longtime companion and best friend, Kelly Hixson Smith; his son, Jason Rutledge; and his brother-in-law, Bill Kerchner. He is also dearly missed and survived by his nephew, Travis Rutledge and his wife Lisa; his niece, Tonja Rutledge Mead and her husband Pat; his niece, Vickie Kerchner Hunter and her husband David; and his nephew, Kurt Kerchner and his wife Lisa. He is further survived by several great-nieces and great-nephews and their families, beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as a host of longtime friends who meant the absolute world to him.

Memorial contributions may be made to Konlee Warden (Larry's 11 year old nephew for his cancer treatments) with the funeral home accepting the contributions.