Clarence Rutan

Clarence Alva Rutan, age 78, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Mount Carmel Hospital in Grove City, Ohio. His final moments were spent with his family by his side. Born on November 16, 1946, in Hometown, West Virginia, Clarence leaves behind a legacy of service, hard work, and compassion.

From 1966 to 1972, he proudly served as a Sergeant in the United States Army. After completing basic training, he was stationed at Ft Leonard Wood in the Missouri Ozarks before being deployed to Thailand. Upon returning, he was stationed in Denver, Colorado, where he worked at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal.

Clarence was truly a jack-of-all-trades. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, he worked for Conrail Railroad and in numerous construction trades—gaining valuable skills and knowledge that he generously shared with others. He was always quick to lend a helping hand or offer guidance to family and friends whenever needed.

He is survived by his loving family, including his son David Rutan and wife Dana; their children, Jenna Smith and husband Austin, and Brenden Rutan. He is also survived by his son, Steve Rutan, and his wife, Jessica, and their daughter, Sophia Rutan, as well as his former wife and mother of his children, Sharon Rutan.

Clarence is fondly remembered by his stepfamily, including his stepson, Shawn Kretzer; step-grandchildren, Nathan Collier, Haley Wright, Austin Kehl, and Schyler Kretzer; and his great-step-grandson, Mason; and his former wife and longtime friend, Deborah Davidson.

Clarence leaves behind his brothers, Chester Rutan and Roger Rutan; and his sisters, Mary Francis Caldwell, Sue Starner, Ramona Hayes, Sarah Garrison, Faye Buckalew and her husband Rick, and Patricia McDade and her husband Jim. He is also remembered by his brother-in-law, Charlie Adkins, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruby Rutan; his brother, Glendal Rutan and his wife Doris; his sister, Ethel Adkins; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Rutan and Loyce Rutan; brothers-in-law, Chuck Caldwell, Larry Starner, Junior Hayes, and Dwayne Garrison; and stepdaughter, Tina Kretzer.

Clarence was known by many titles—father, son, brother, uncle, friend, and Papaw—and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life for Clarence will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in honor of his service to our country and his final battle to your local VA Hospital or the American Cancer Society.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Doctors, Nurses, and other staff for the exceptional care, compassion, and support shown to Clarence and his family during his time at Mount Carmel Hospital.