Harry Rutland

Harold Dean "Harry" Rutland, age 89, of Tatum, Texas, passed away on Friday night, June 13, 2025, in Jefferson, Texas. He was born on April 26, 1936, in San Angelo, Texas to the late Durward L. and Alice Irene Cathey Rutland. Harry's siblings were Durward and Barbara. Harry joined the U.S. Marines in 1953, where he served during Korea, having earned a Purple Heart before being honorably discharged in 1955. As a young man he enjoyed participating and competing in rodeos. He worked on installation of power lines, as a truck driver and in the construction business, where he helped build Martin Lake and Pirkey Power Plants. Harry enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking and excelled in barbequing. He lived by the old saying that one man's junk is another man's treasure and he loved gathering "treasure" at area auctions and garage/estate sales. Harry married Grace on August 4, 1972, in Marble Falls, Texas and they enjoyed 52 years together before she preceded him in death on February 18, 2025. He was of the Baptist faith. He is survived by son, Tony Thomas; grandchildren, Tonya Reynolds (Erick), Tim Mitchell (Terri), Bryant Mitchell, James Thomas, Angel Thomas, Billy Thomas, Amber Thomas, David Thomas (Alisha), and Cody Thomas; 11 great-grandchildren including a special great-grandchild, Kylie Thomas; 12 great-great-grandchildren; and his beloved dog, Freckles. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel. Interment with Military honors will follow at Martin Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:30-10:00 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home prior to the funeral service. Pallbearers are Tim Mitchell, Bryant Mitchell, David Thomas, Cody Thomas, Erick Reynolds, and Rowdy Holden. A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.