Walter D. Rutherford

Walter Derald Rutherford was born on his parent's farm near Page, Nebraska on May 18, 1936, to Homer and Florence Rutherford, the first of five children. His family loved music and he grew up around the piano with his siblings singing and playing old hymns. Walter played the saxophone in high school, but developed a love for flying as a teenager. After high school he served in the Air Force at Gifu AFB in Gifu, Japan from 1956-1958 where he was a Ground Radio Relay Repairman. After discharge he married Judy Couchey and began building his aviation as a corporate pilot. They had three children: Derald, Tim, and Raquel.

After their divorce he married Margaret Rose (Sam) and became a stepfather to her daughter, Stephanie Sharp.

Walter has eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. He is preceded in death by his infant grandson Ryan Derald Rutherford.

Walter accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior as a young man, and took Isaiah 12;2 as his life verse: "Behold, God is my salvation. I shall trust and not be afraid. For the Lord is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation."

He was passionate about his faith, his family, and his friends. We will miss his hugs, his wise counsel, his exuberance for life, and his contagious laugh.


Funeral Services will be Tuesday, May 30 at 10:00 a.m. at the Davidson Funeral Home.
Visitation will be Monday, May 29, from 6:00 p.m.-7:00p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions may be made out to Great Lakes Caring Hospice or Aviation Fellowship, and sent in the care of Davidson Funeral HOme.