Richard Roman Rutter Sr.

1928 - 2013

Richard Roman Rutter Sr., 85, passed away Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, at his home. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Bedford. The family will receive friends and relatives afterwards at a reception in the Great Hall of St. Michael's Catholic Church. Graveside service and burial will follow at 1 p.m. in Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville. Born Feb. 15, 1928, in Columbia, Pa., Richard was the son of Rosemary and John Rutter. He left high school to join the Navy. Shortly after enlisting, World War II ended, where upon he returned home to finish high school, serving as senior class president and lettering in wrestling. Upon graduation he enlisted in the Army where he served proudly and honorably for 25 years. His years of service included tours in Alaska, Ethiopia, Iran, France, Thailand, Vietnam and the United States. While stationed in California, Richard also served as a reserve policeman for the Petaluma Police Department. After completing his tour of duty in Vietnam he returned home and retired from the Army. Richard then joined the U.S. Post Office where he worked as a postal carrier for 19 years before retiring in 1991. In setting an example for the importance of continued education, he achieved his lifelong ambition to earn a college degree, which was realized with an associate degree from TCC in 1978 and a B.A. in business from Texas Wesleyan University in 1980. In 1953 Richard married the love of his life, Alfreida Sturges, in Dallas. They were happily married for 56 years. During this time they traveled the world with their four children providing them with many wonderful cultural experiences. Richard especially enjoyed spending vacations in Hawaii with his wife. He was also an avid reader of history and had a deep appreciation for many types of music and artwork. He was a devout Catholic and was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church. Richard especially enjoyed attending the Men of God and Little Rock Scripture Classes. He was a great believer and messenger of the Divine Mercy and the rosary. Richard was a loving and generous man. He was a pillar of strength with his unconditional care and love for his wife during her difficult 10-year battle with cancer. He continued to inspire us with his incredible courage and great faith as he bravely fought his own battle with cancer. Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Alfreida Rutter. Survivors: Children, Barbara Ann Brown and husband, Roger, Richard Roman Rutter Jr., Janet Nadine Ratliff and husband, Robert, and Michael Rutter and wife, Cindy; grandchildren, Maxfield Brown and wife, Evan, Roman Brown, Eric Rutter and wife, Mandy, Sarah Ratliff, Lauren Rutter, Natalie Rutter and Nathan Rutter; several nieces, nephews and relatives.