David Earl Ruthesell

With heavy hearts, the Ruthesell-Robertson family announce the passing of David Earl Ruthesell, 76, of Van Buren, on Sunday, May 26, 2024 at his home. He was a loving husband, father, Papa, brother, and uncle. David was born February 26, 1948, in Osceola, Arkansas to David Oliver Ruthesell and Maurine Ruthesell (Robertson); and grew up in Northeast Arkansas among 15 siblings.

At 18, he moved to Fort Worth, Texas where he began working as a cook for Kentucky Fried Chicken. A couple of years later, David met the love his life, Dorothy Matthews and they were married on June 19, 1970. Together they welcomed two sons, David Ernest Ruthesell and Kevin Ruthesell, and have shared a total of 53 years of marriage.

David held many job titles over the course of his working career. The most notable were a machinist, landscaper, and semi-truck driver. He retired in 2014 from the Parks Department with the City of River Oaks in Texas as a maintenance worker. He enjoyed being outdoors and had many hobbies such as fishing, metal detecting, restoring vintage trucks, and repairing small engines. After retiring, he enjoyed vacationing and cruising with his family. In 2019, David and Dorothy moved back to David’s home state of Arkansas to be closer to his siblings.

He was preceded in death by his father, David Oliver Ruthesell; mother, Maurine Robertson; sisters, Glenda Walley, Joyce Robertson, Kay Nichols, and Norma Jean Phillips; and brothers, Robert Ruthesell, Bill Robertson, and Leon Robertson.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Ruthesell; sons, David Ruthesell (Misty) and Kevin Ruthesell (Jennifer); grandkids, Heather Ruthesell, Peyton Ruthesell (Reanna White), Shelbi Ruthesell, Tanner Ruthesell, and Brynli Ruthesell; sisters, Darlene Carr, Judy Walls, and Vickie Turner; brothers, Ronny Ruthesell, Gary Robertson, Larry Robertson, Ricky Robertson, and Stanley Robertson; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation in honor of David’s life will be from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren.

The Ruthesell-Robertson family wish to express their gratitude for the compassionate care David received from the Mercy Hospice team.