Errol Duane Rutledge, 77, passed from this earth on July 5, 2017. Visitation will be at Starbuck Funeral Home on Friday, July 14 from 6-8 p.m. Lou David Allen will officiate the funeral services for his longtime friend at the Merkel Church of Christ on Saturday, July 15 at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Errol was born to Daniel Tillman “Pete” Rutledge and Velma Baker Rutledge at their home in Merkel on April 16, 1940. Errol started working at a young age. He shined shoes at Higgin’s Barber Shop, where his dad was a barber. He swept floors at Mellinger’s Dry Goods and was a soda jerk at the Merkel Drug Store. He also worked at Carson’s Supermarket. After high school, he attended barber school in Abilene, where he worked to pay his tuition. When he graduated from there, he became a barber at E.A. Conley’s barber shop in Merkel. Errol later entered the banking business first at Citizen’s Bank in Abilene, where he worked up to vice president, and then at First National Bank of Abilene, where he also became a vice president. He was in the business for over 30 years before retiring. Errol always took pride in his work and enjoyed visiting with the people he served along the way.

Being a member of the Merkel band from fifth grade until he graduated, Errol was named drum major as well as band officer while in MHS. He was active in high school activities and held several class offices and was a member in several clubs.

He married Iris Ann Shouse on August 29, 1966. They had two sons, and Errol was very active in their school activities. He was in the Alta Vista PTA for 10 years, and he and Ann taught Sunday school at Southern Hills Church of Christ. Errol was a member of the Wood Badge of the Chisholm Trail Council of the Boy Scouts. In 1975, he earned the District Award of Merit. He and Ann also raised their grandson, Garrett.
After retirement, Errol babysat all his grandkids, spending many hours with Blake and Ryder. He liked to help his brother Kermit with woodworking and often just sat around, talking and drinking coffee with him. He also became a member of the Rockhound Gem and Mineral Association and enjoyed jewelry making and silversmithing.

Errol was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws; half-brothers, Tillman, Waymon, and Lloyd; brother, Kermit; and brother-in-law, Boyd Moore. Left to cherish his memory are his wife; son, Joel Rutledge of Abilene; son, Pete Rutledge and his wife Angie of Abilene; grandchildren, Garrett, Gaige, Gywnn, Gavin, Nick, Jarred, Ryder, and Jaxon; sister, Billie Moore of Fredericksburg; sister, Donna Riney and husband David of Merkel; sister, Linda Rutledge of Merkel; brother-in-law, Richard Shouse and wife Cheryl of Seabrook. He also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him.

Pallbearers will be grandsons: Garrett Rutledge, Gaige Rutledge, Gavin Rutledge, Nick Armstrong, Jarred Rutledge, and Blake Rutledge. Honorary pallbearers will be David Riney, Larry Beasley, Frank Berryman, Bill Thompson, Danny Moore, Jaxon Rutledge, and Ryder Rutledge.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Merkel Area Historical Museum at 1501 N. 7th, Merkel, TX 79536 or to the View Volunteer Fire Department, 108 Grand Ave., Abilene, TX 79606.

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