Ernest E. Rutledge

Ernest Edward Rutledge, 84, formally from Hoopeston Il, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 3, 2020 at 2:20 p.m. at Colonial Manor in Danville, Il. He was born on May 11th, 1935 to the late Walter E Rutledge and Leta Elvira Love Rutledge.

On June 21, 1957 he married Esther May Rutledge at the Antioch church in Rossville, Il. They were married until Esther's passing on April 16th, 1992. He later married Joann Rutledge on January 16, 1993. She precedes him in death.

Surviving are his daughter Donna (Matt) Powell of Danville, Il; son Mike (Marian) Rutledge of Springfield, Il; grandchildren, Kayleigh (Chad) Hoshauer, Nick (Ashton) Powell, and Jarrett Rutledge; great grandchildren, Tanner, Rowyn, Jolie; brothers, Gilbert (Marilyn) Rutledge, Frank (Bonnie) Rutledge; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his sisters Esther Foy, Leah Kincade, and Alice Franklin.

He enlisted in the US Navy on January, 28 1955 until his honorable discharge on January 28, 1959. He was ranked GM 3rd class. He worked for several years at Heatcraft as a labor inspector and repairman where he later retired. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 203 in Georgetown, Il.

Ernest loved to fish and hunt. He was an avid storyteller and a huge kid at heart. He loved telling jokes and being his goofy self. His favorite pastime was being a grandpa to his grandchildren and Papa Ernie to his great grandchildren.

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834 has been entrusted with arrangements.

Please join Ernests family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.