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RUTHERFORD -- Lewis James Rutherford, 89, a resident of Ramona, OK since 1978, passed away on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at his home. He was born near Pilot Point, TX in Denton County on August 13, 1917. Lewis left home at the age of 15 and had been on his own ever since. He survived the dustbowl days and the Great Depression, leaving Texas for California by hitchhike and freight train. Lewis served in the European Theater during WWII as a member of the Army Air Corps. He was a tailgunner in a B-26 Marauder and flew 70 missions. He was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart. He also received the Soldier's Medal for saving the lives of five men from a sinking transport ship off the north coast of Corsica. In 1948, Lewis and Delfina moved to Corrales, NM, where he worked in the construction business as a superintendent and general contractor throughout New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado. In 1975, he retired and moved to his farm in northeastern Oklahoma. Lewis had a wonderful sense of humor. He was loved by all and enjoyed making people laugh. He is remembered by family and friends for his passion for the great outdoors, which included hunting and fishing and farming and ranching. He enjoyed math, science and history, and was a remarkable problem solver. His beloved wife of 49 years, Delfina Marie; and sisters, Juanita Bigheart and Mattie Lee Smith, preceded him in death; as did his mother and father, Ara and Will. He is survived by six children: sons: Louis Pierre Rutherford and wife, Christine of Porticcio, Corsica; Ronald Lewis Rutherford of Albuquerque, NM; and Robert James Rutherford of the home in Ramona, OK; daughters: Sherida Phillips and husband. Robert of Albuquerque, NM; Brenda Zachary of Corrales NM; and Beverly Gourdin and husband, Mike of Corrales, NM; nine grandchildren: Rick Rose, Travis Rutherford, Ashley Rutherford, Lynsey Richter, Austin Zachary, Justin Niklaus, Emily Niklaus, Tamara, and Nathalie Rutherford; three great-grandchildren: Conrad Travis Rutherford, Jaxon Rose, and Blayne Rose; his brother: Wildon Rutherford, of Ramona, OK; sisters: Margaret Smith and husband Glen of Rio Rancho, NM; and Ruby Joyce Doyle of Grinnell, IA; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family and friends may visit at McCartney's Johnson Funeral Home, 223 E. 6th St., Pawhuska, OK. Services will be held Tuesday, April 17, 2007, 11:00 a.m., at Ramona First Baptist Church. Interment will follow at the Ramona Cemetery.
        Published on: Sun April 15, 2007