David L. Rutledge

David L. Rutledge, age 58, of Nevada, died as the result of a sudden illness on Monday, July 3, 2006, at St. John's Regional Medical Center in Joplin, Mo.

He was born June 12, 1948, in Nevada, to Marvin Walker Rutledge and Lois Audry Garrett Rutledge. He was married April 23,1984, in Miami, Okla., to Melody G. Wilson, who survives of the home.

David grew up in the Metz, Mo., area and graduated from Metz High School in 1966. He was a member of the Nevada Eagles Lodge, Aerie No. 3770. He was active in the Vernon County 4-H shooting sports where he served as county coordinator. He was also a district Hunter Safety Instructor. David worked at the Nevada Habilitation Center for a number of years and at Heartland Hospital as an aide, working with patients. He later was a maintenance worker for the Nevada R-5 School District and was currently working for the Nevada Housing Authority.

In addition to his wife, Melody, survivors include one daughter, Josalynn Rutledge, Nevada, Mo.; two sons, Justin Rutledge, Nevada, Mo., Jerid Rutledge and his companion, Megan, and their son, Logan, Springfield, Mo.; his mother, Lois Rutledge, Nevada, Mo.; one brother, Gearald Rutledge, Peculiar, Mo.; five brothers-in-law, J.D. Wilson, Harold Wray Wilson, Huleigh Wilson, Rick Wilson, and Loel Wilson, three sisters-in-law, Earline Allison, Sharon Burchett, and Robin Jones and their families. David was looking forward to the birth of a granddaughter, Jenea, at any time. He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin, and one brother, Walker Rutledge.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, July 6, 2006, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, Mo., with Elder Tom Pyle officiating, Friends may call now and until the hour of service at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, Mo.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Vernon County 4-H Shooting Sports in care of the funeral home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.