John W. Rutledge

1919-2016

John W. Rutledge, of (Pensacola), passed away at the age of 96 on September 11, 2016 in Bristol, Rhode Island.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on November 4th at the Oak Lawn funeral home. Burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS.

John was born to Jessie and Edith Rutledge on September 22, 1919. He went to school at Power, Montana. John married Juanita Mae Burnett in 1945. He served on board the USS California and was at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and was at the Battle of Midway as a photographer on a PBY filming the burning of the Japanese carriers. After the war, John served as a Naval Aviator (NAP) for 10 years. After his naval retirement, John graduated from Auburn University and taught Science at Pensacola High School for 20 years. He was involved in the Pearl Harbor Survivors Society, Silver Eagles Association, and Elks Lodge.

John is survived by his son, Michael, Daughter In-Laws Alla, Nanette and Jane Meyers, his sister Marian, Grandchildren Merritt Meyers, Wesley, Alexander, Konstantin and Ian and great-Grandson Gabriel.

Oak Lawn Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

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Published by the Pensacola News Journal on Oct. 30, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for John Rutledge

Sponsored by Oak Lawn Funeral Home.

12 Entries

December 9, 2018

I got to interview Mr. Rutledge when I was in the 5th grade doing history fair on the Battle of Midway. I'm 22 now, and he is still one of the most interesting people I have ever talked to. He lived a very long and seemingly very full life. Rest in peace sir.

William Sojka

February 6, 2017

Uncle John taught me so much when I was a little guy. Still remember many of the things today.Sorry I was not able to make services
Mike I would sure like to hear from you. Steve.
My email [email protected]

Rick Risher

November 7, 2016

First met Lt. Rutledge in 1958 when he would pick his son, Wes, and me up after football practice and give us a ride home. He was always kind and encouraging and Wes and I wanted to be a Naval Aviator like him. We both were able to achieve that dream and served our country in Vietnam, just as Lt. Rutledge served our country during WWII. He was a Pearl Harbor survivor and fought in other battles during the war, including the Battle of Midway, one of the great naval victories in history and a turning point of WWII. Lt. Rutledge and his son, Wes, both now passed, are Patriots and great American heroes. We owe our freedoms and prosperity in America to millions of veterans who stepped up to answer the call of duty to defend and protect their country and signed that blank check for their lives when they raised their right hand and took the oath to do so. With respect and sympathy to the Rutledge family...Mike, Nanette, Jane, children and grandchildren. The service, with full military honors, was emotional and inspiring. GOD BLESS THE RUTLEDGE FAMILY AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!

P R

November 4, 2016

Mr. Rutledge was truly one of the best teachers I ever had. He was an inspiration to me and was instrumental in my choosing a career in the medical profession. I remember his kindness and intelligence; he was a wonderful man. Oh, for teachers like him today! Loved his little Volvo!!

Carol Gordon Gardner

November 3, 2016

Mr Rutledge,
Thank you for your service, sir!
Thanking you for your kindness, and patience you showed to me as one of your students at PHS. You were truly a wonderful teacher, example, and kind man! Peace be with you! Thanks for the memories! As I write this, I can still see that smile of yours!

judy Mask

November 3, 2016

I worked at the Elks Lodge that John was a member of and we really missed him when he left Pensacola. He will always be remembered for his wonderful pound cakes. God Bless you.

Doris (Carter) Simpson

November 2, 2016

I had Mr. Rutledge for anatomy and physiology at PP.H.S. He was a great teacher. He told some great stories. God Bless his family and give them comfort.

Sheila Kovacs

November 2, 2016

Looks the same as the great teacher I had at PHS! He taught me and my sister. He was an encourager and a wonderful teacher with great skills! I knew of no one who didn't like him. I was blessed to have him as my teacher and have always remembered him. I did not know of his service but I'm not surprised...that is the kind of man he was. God Bless his family during this difficult time. Sheila (Turman) Kovacs

Mark Simpson

November 1, 2016

Great Teacher.... Taught many students with compassion and enthusiasm ....praying for comfort for his family

Howard Boyd

November 1, 2016

One of my favorite teachers at PHS, and someone who I greatly admired. A true example of a gentleman and educator.

Rev. Don Laird

November 1, 2016

Mike, I still remember our 13 car pile-up at PJC that fateful Monday afternoon - and how your Dad came to our rescue - calm, cool and collected. Calmness under pressure - that's one wonderful attribute your Dad exhibited . . . . and he passed it on to you. Sorry I will not be able to attend the memorial. God's blessings to you . He certainly blessed you with a wonderful Dad.

Don Norris

October 30, 2016

Mr. Rutledge was one of my favorite teachers at P.H.S. Rest in peace, Sir.

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