05/30/2026
Charles Otis Rutledge
Charles “Charlie” Otis Rutledge was born on September 17, 1935 to Nola Irene Henson and Floyd Otis Rutledge in Ardmore, OK. He passed from this life on May 28, 2026 at the age of 90.
Charlie was a graduate of Lone Grove High School in the class of 1954. On June 10, 1955, he married the love of his life, Carol Kelty, in Lone Grove, OK. They were members of the First Baptist Church of Lone Grove.
Charlie proudly served his country for more than 42 years in the United States Army, Oklahoma Army National Guard, and Army Reserve. He began his military career in 1953 with the Medical Company, 179th Infantry Regiment in Ardmore, Oklahoma, and rose through the ranks from Private to Full Colonel. Throughout his distinguished career, Charlie served in numerous leadership and staff positions, including Platoon Sergeant, Platoon Leader, Unit Commander, Battalion Executive Officer, Inspector General, Assistant S-1, Battalion Commander, and Chief of Facilities for the Oklahoma Military Department. His service included assignments in the Medical Service Corps, Transportation, and Armor branches. He also completed annual training overseas in West Germany and Panama. His many awards and decorations included the Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Oklahoma Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Outstanding Unit Award, Humanitarian Service Medal, and recognition for 40 years of service with the Oklahoma National Guard. Charlie’s military career reflected a lifetime of dedication, discipline, leadership, and service to his country and fellow soldiers. He represented the best of the American serviceman and helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy. Outside of his honorable service, Charlie was employed by OG&E as an Engineer Technician Supervisor for more than 40 years, before retiring in 1994.
Charlie was an adamant fan of the Lone Grove Longhorns. He attended as many of their events as he could and was always the loudest in the stands. Charlie was involved in local organizations including serving as Charter President for the Lone Grove Kiwanis Club. He loved spending time with his family and will be missed by many.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Nola Tidwell and Floyd Rutledge; wife Carol Rutledge; son Charles Steven Rutledge; granddaughter Amy Rutledge; sister Mildred O’Kelley; and brother Bill Rutledge.
He is survived by his sons Kevin Rutledge and his wife Ginger and Chad Rutledge and his wife Marnie; brother Rex Rutledge; sister Jean Thompson and her husband Lew; grandchildren Gavin Rutledge, Kegan Rutledge, Cassie Crockett and her husband Coleton, Logan Dunn and her husband Jordan, Heather Rutledge, and Eric Rutledge; and great grandchildren Parker Crockett, Reed Crockett, Rainee Gilliland and Kelty Dunn.
Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, June 2nd at 10:00 a.m. at Lone Grove First Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Black officiating. Internment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Visitation will be Monday evening from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Craddock Funeral Home.
Gavin Rutledge, Kegan Rutledge, Coleton Crockett, Jordan Dunn, Charlie McNeely, and Rhett Lathum will serve as pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers are Ryan Hodges, Larry Twyford, Kevin Keenan, Mike Carr, Verlin Ward and The Oklahoma National Guard .
The family would like to especially thank all of those who took the time to visit Charlie, provide meals, and offered prayers for him and his family. We would like to offer special recognition to Elara Caring Hospice and Roszelda Swan for the kindness and compassionate care they gave to Charlie in his final weeks.
In lieu of flowers, Charlie’s family requests donations be made in his memory to one of the following charitable organizations. Please send checks to either the Military Memorial Museum, 35 Sunset Dr. SW, Ardmore, OK 73401; or, First Baptist Church of Lone Grove
https://www.fbclonegrove.com/give_109615
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