Howard Dale Rutherford, age 83, of Orleans, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 25 at IU Bloomington Hospital.
Mr. Rutherford was born June 16, 1942, in Salem, the son of James Harley and Mabel Weston Rutherford. He was chief of police for Orleans from 1978-1979 and retired after 34 years of service as a police officer in Orleans and French Lick. He was well known for laying carpet in the Orleans area for many years. He was a member of Spring Mill FOP Lodge #172 and Mt. Horeb Baptist Church.
Howard is survived by his wife: Carmen Icenogle Rutherford. They were married November 3, 1997. He is also survived by six sons: Marc Rutherford (Stephanie) of Orleans, Brad Rutherford of West Baden, John Henry Rutherford (Mandy) of Orleans, Harley Rutherford of Orleans, Samuel Rutherford (Harley Smith) of Paoli, and Remington Rutherford (Kira) of Orleans, three daughters: Jane Terrell (Gary Weathers) of Orleans, Sherri Bell (Mike) of Indianapolis, and Lakin Rutherford of Orleans, 37 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by two nephews and one niece.
Howard was preceded in death by four brothers: Volney “Two Gun”, James, Murl, and Everett Rutherford, five sisters: Flossie Louise Collins, Stella Bridgewater, Marjorie Rutherford, Dorene Rutherford, and an infant sister, and his parents.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 1PM at Weathers Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Mt. Hebron Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 4-8PM and Tuesday from 11AM-time of service at the funeral home.
