Obituary for Robert Rutherford
Robert A. Rutherford (56) passed away on December 18, 2022. Throughout his battle in Hillcrest Medical Center, Robert was accompanied by his beloved daughter, Jennifer Rutherford, and his lifelong friend, Cheryl Williams.
Robert is survived by his mother, Gay Nell Rutherford, and his daughter, Jennifer Leanne Rutherford. He was predeceased by his father, Jim Rutherford, and his older brother, David Rutherford. Robert spent his last years surrounded by those he kept closest, caring for his mother and raising cane on the internet.
Robert’s life was one of those deep, personal stories you can’t help but tell over again. He spent his life walking to the beat of his own drum. Growing up in Central Texas, Robert spent his youth listening to loud music and speaking his mind. After high school, Robert became certified as a Commercial Truck Driver. Throughout his career, Robert worked as anything from a tow-truck driver to an oversize-hauler. Later in life, after Robert’s daughter was born in ‘99, he spent a great many years as a truck-driver for various musical tours. From The Eagles to Kanye -- from Lady Gaga to Van Halen, Robert was there.
Of all the tall-tales Robert’s shared, I can’t help but share a short one:
Robert probably wouldn’t brag, but I challenge you to meet another man who could tell you personal stories of pulling his child from Metallica’s dinner table and chatting all night with Lady Gaga – all while keeping a straight face. “I sat next to some pretty lady talking about nothing in particular. And it must’ve been hours later, the bartender stares at me and asks, ‘do you have any idea who you’ve been talking to all night?’”
Many remember him as a fierce friend and devoted son and father. Some of you might remember him cooking elaborate meals for his mother – never disclosing the secret ingredient. Robert knew how to make something special for the people he cared about. Some of you might remember texting with him for hours at a time. He was always willing to spark conversation over text or through a slightly offensive (but always hilarious) Facebook post. Although Robert was the type to uproot his own life to take care of his mother and fight endlessly for those he loved, Robert was also the type to ruffle feathers. Whether it was for an argument in the comments or for a joke he just had to make, Robert knew how to find himself in Facebook Jail for a day or two… or ten.
Robert's service will be held at First United Methodist on January 23,2023. As Robert would have it: Keep your family close, turn your music up, and never let anybody tell you what to think.
Robert is survived by his mother, Gay Nell Rutherford, and his daughter, Jennifer Leanne Rutherford. He was predeceased by his father, Jim Rutherford, and his older brother, David Rutherford. Robert spent his last years surrounded by those he kept closest, caring for his mother and raising cane on the internet.
Robert’s life was one of those deep, personal stories you can’t help but tell over again. He spent his life walking to the beat of his own drum. Growing up in Central Texas, Robert spent his youth listening to loud music and speaking his mind. After high school, Robert became certified as a Commercial Truck Driver. Throughout his career, Robert worked as anything from a tow-truck driver to an oversize-hauler. Later in life, after Robert’s daughter was born in ‘99, he spent a great many years as a truck-driver for various musical tours. From The Eagles to Kanye -- from Lady Gaga to Van Halen, Robert was there.
Of all the tall-tales Robert’s shared, I can’t help but share a short one:
Robert probably wouldn’t brag, but I challenge you to meet another man who could tell you personal stories of pulling his child from Metallica’s dinner table and chatting all night with Lady Gaga – all while keeping a straight face. “I sat next to some pretty lady talking about nothing in particular. And it must’ve been hours later, the bartender stares at me and asks, ‘do you have any idea who you’ve been talking to all night?’”
Many remember him as a fierce friend and devoted son and father. Some of you might remember him cooking elaborate meals for his mother – never disclosing the secret ingredient. Robert knew how to make something special for the people he cared about. Some of you might remember texting with him for hours at a time. He was always willing to spark conversation over text or through a slightly offensive (but always hilarious) Facebook post. Although Robert was the type to uproot his own life to take care of his mother and fight endlessly for those he loved, Robert was also the type to ruffle feathers. Whether it was for an argument in the comments or for a joke he just had to make, Robert knew how to find himself in Facebook Jail for a day or two… or ten.
Robert's service will be held at First United Methodist on January 23,2023. As Robert would have it: Keep your family close, turn your music up, and never let anybody tell you what to think.