Robert Rutherford

RUTHERFORD
General Robert (Skip) L. Rutherford, USAF Retired, went on his final flight on July 4, 2013. He was born in Luling, Texas to James and Elizabeth Rutherford on December 11, 1938. He was an outstanding athlete at Luling High School graduating in 1957 and went to Southwest Texas State University and met and married his college sweetheart Kita Hyatt. He graduated in 1961 with a degree in Business Administration and as a Distinguished Graduate from ROTC. He attended Pilot training at Reese AFB, Texas and was subsequently assigned as an Instructor Pilot. In 1967 he was assigned to Udon Royal AB, Thailand and flew the F-4 Phantom. He completed 161 Combat Missions with 101 being flown over North Vietnam. In 1978 he attended Air War College and revived an MBA from Auburn University. In 1980 he was selected as Commander, 18th Tactical Fighter Wing.
In 1981 he was promoted to Brigadier General and subsequently commanded the Air Force Recruiting Service. He continued to move up through the ranks, excelling during each assignment. Highlights include: the Deputy Director of Operations for the European Air Combat Operations Staff, Headquarters USAF in Europe; Commander 17th Air Force, Sembach Air Base, West Germany; the deputy chief of staff for Programs and Resources at HQ of the USAF. In 1993 he received his 4th star and became Commander, Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base Hawaii. In 1994, he became the Commander in Chief of the US Transportation Command and Commander of Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base Illinois. In 1996, he retired as a four-star general.
Upon retirement he was very active in mentoring future leaders of the US Military through the Capstone program as well as providing input and guidance to the leadership of the USAF.
He was also extremely active in Spring Creek United Methodist Church as a member, Chairman of the Church's first Capital Campaign, and as being the Church Treasurer.
He was preceded in death by his father James Rutherford. He is survived by wife of 51 years Kita, Mother Elizabeth Rutherford, Sons, Jim and his wife Linda, Greg and his wife Lisa, Grandchildren Robert, Nick, Ryan, Brooke, and Chase, Sister Linda Prosk and husband Paul.
Graveside service will be held on Monday July 15, 2013 at 10 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio TX 78209. Church Service will be held at 12 p.m. at Spring Creek Methodist Church 28970 Old Fredericksburg Rd, Fair Oaks Ranch, TX 78015.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Spring Creek United Methodist Church Building fund, or the charity of your choice.