Lester O. Rutledge

Lester O. Rutledge 1920 - 2009 Les Rutledge passed away peacefully at home on December 22, 20 09 at the age of 89. Born in Richwoods, MO, he was raised on a family farm with six siblings. A decorated WWII veteran, Les served his country with the 706th Army Ordinance Company in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre. After the war he settled in Long Beach, CA, marrying his sweetheart, Mary Louise (Bennett) and raising three sons. Using his excellent mechanical skills and business savvy, he established Les Rutledge Used Cars, a successful business in Long Beach from 1950 to 1988. With welcomed retirement, Les be came an avid Las Vegas black jack tournament player, an Angel baseball fan and a member of the Elks Lodge and Long Beach Rod & Gun Club. As an American Cancer Society volunteer, Les was instrumental in the successful "Miles of Smiles" charity auto auctions. He was preceded in death by sons, William and Bruce. He is survived by wife of 63 years, Mary Louise, Long Beach, CA; son, Robert (Julie) of Atascadero, CA; grandchildren, Morgan, Leah and Matthew; sisters, Maggie Wideman, Ethel Bonebrake, Ann Ligatich a nd Dorothy Callahan; numerous nieces and nephews and friends. Les will be remembered by friends and family as a peaceful, loving, gentle man who could diagnose any automobile malady by feel and sound, and through whose generosity kept us all moving a little easier down the road. He will be missed. A Memorial Service is planned on January 23, 2010, 2:00pm, at Grace Presbyterian Church, 3955 Studebaker Rd, Long Beach, CA 90808. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.