William Joseph Rutledge

August 31, 1932 - June 10, 2025

William Joseph Rutledge, 92, passed away on June 10, 2025, at the Episcopal Church Home.

Bill was born and raised in Lima, Ohio where he received his early education and met his wife, Shirley. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University where he proudly served as a drum major in the marching band.

He spent two years in the military as a 2nd Lt in the U.S. Army Transportation Corp. His employment career spanned 39 years with Owens-Corning Fiberglass and Reliance Universal Inc in Louisville where he retired as Vice President of Corporate Operational Services.

During his career, Bill actively contributed to numerous community organizations and boards including Rotary, where he was a 40+ year member. In his retirement, Bill remained busy volunteering both in Louisville and Naples for Wayside Christian Mission, the Harry Chapin Food Bank, and the West End School to name a few.

He was a member of Second Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and an associate member of the United Church of Christ in Naples. He was also a member of the Louisville Boat Club, Pyramid Trust and a former member of the Harmony Landing Country Club, Country Club of Naples and the Forum Club of S.W. Florida.

His interests were his family, travel, sports, music and playing golf. As a devoted husband of 70 years, he and Shirley enjoyed dinners with friends and their travels together, most recently completing a rafting trip down the Snake River at the age of 90.

Bill was a constant presence at his loved ones’ sporting events, from his daughter’s field hockey games to his grandsons’ basketball and baseball games, He also enjoyed spontaneous drive-bys through his daughter’s neighborhood, hoping to spot someone for a quick visit.

An avid Ohio State fan, Bill made a pilgrimage to the ‘Shoe every football season. He embraced his role as a grandparent wholeheartedly, establishing weekly “boys’ day out” adventures to parks, aquariums, and sporting events.

Bill was a true gentleman known for his outgoing personality and ability to make friends wherever he went.

He is survived by his wife Shirley Humbert Rutledge, his daughter Michelle R. Costel (Paul) and two grandsons, Paul Gordon (Jessi) Costel and John William Costel, both of whom affectionately referred to him as Deps.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 13 from 4 PM – 7 PM at Pearson’s, 149 Breckenridge Ln, with a private burial at Cave Hill.

Gifts in his memory may be made to Second Presbyterian Church, 3701 Old Brownsboro Rd, Louisville 40207 or The Ohio State University Alumni Association, 2200 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43210.

Bill was a member of the marching band from 1950 through 1953. He played Alto Horn in 1950-1952 and was Assistant Drum Major in 1953.