Tommy Layne Rutledge

Tommy Layne Rutledge left this world to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday, July 21, 2023. He was preceded in death by his father Asa Elton Rutledge and his mother Doratha Mae Henderson. He also follows all of his brothers in death: Gene, Wayne and Marvin Henderson.

Tommy is survived by his wife and love of his life of 61 years Ruth Rutledge. He is survived by his sons Mike Rutledge, wife Elizabeth Rutledge and Rick Rutledge, wife Tricia Rutledge and grandchildren James Rutledge, Terry Rutledge and Cayce Rutledge.

Tommy was a 28-year veteran of the Austin Fire Department, retiring in 1996. He retired as a Lieutenant out of Station #22 on Riverside Drive. After his family, this was one of the thing he was most proud of and spoke of it often and with great fondness. Tommy made lifelong friends while at the Fire Department, many of whom he stayed in contact with long after he retired.

Tommy lived his life exactly how he wanted to. His life ended exactly where he wanted it to – at home with family. He lived with Ruth on acreage in the Texas hill country. He had cattle and equipment and took great pleasure in work on the land. He built his and Ruth’s home, detached garage and multiple outbuildings both by himself and with the help of family and friends.

One of Tommy’s passions was genealogy. Tommy traced his family’s heritage going by not just a few generations but by several centuries. He was very involved in family. He was involved in the DeGlandon family reunions (his mother’s side) in McDade, Texas and the Rutledge family reunion (his father’s side) in Lake Victor, Texas. He cared for his aging family and friends of family, as his family cared for him in his last days.

Another one of Tommy’s passions was old cars. Throughout his life he had and worked on and restored many cars. He helped his sons work on their cars and he had several himself. Towards the latter years he owned a Ford Gran Torino, which he showed in several car shows. He truly enjoyed the work and interactions.

The family would like to thank all the people who reached out with love, condolences and help. We would especially like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Jenny Holmes with Tranquility Hospice and Sydni who came into Tommy’s home and made his final days as comfortable as they could be.

Bless everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

The Rutledge Family

A visitation for Tommy will be held Tuesday, July 25, 2023, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar, Austin, Texas 78752.

A funeral service will occur Wednesday, July 26, 2023, starting at 10:00 A.M. at 6100 North Lamar, Austin, Texas 78752.

A graveside service will occur Wednesday, July 26, 2023, starting at 12:00 P.M. at Oak Hill Cemetery, 178 Oak Hill Cemetery Rd, McDade, Texas 78602.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Rutledge family.