Area Man who was Decorated Veteran, Scoutmaster, Community Leader, Denzil Ray Rutherford, Passes

Denzil Ray Rutherford, 93, of Fairmont, passed away peacefully in his home at Rock Lake on Thursday, June 26, 2025. He was born on March 28, 1932, the son to the late William Orval Rutherford and Opal Saunders Rutherford Collins. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Mae Haught Rutherford.

In addition to his parents, Denzil was preceded in death by his brother, Billy Rutherford.

Denzil was a graduate of the West Virginia Business College and attended Hebron Baptist Church. He was a Warehouse Supervisor for the Westinghouse Electric Corporation. He retired with 25 years of service as a Rural Mail Carrier for the United States Postal Service. Denzil was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his family deeply and enjoyed spending time with them. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved working on his farm and tending to his garden. He had a passion for reading and studying about health and natural studies. Denzil was a member of the Marion County Genealogy Club and spent many hours exploring his genealogy roots and the histories of other people’s ancestors.

Denzil received the Westinghouse Electric Corporation Citizenship Award which was one of the highest awards given by the Corporation. He was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the Jaycees, his interest in youth programs, and his unselfish service to Fairmont. Jaycees-Denzil served on many committees and projects of the Junior Chamber of Commerce as well as a board member and External Vice President. His contributions to this group were recognized with several awards including a Distinguished Service Award from the U.S. Jaycees and Jaycee Presidential Award of Honor. He was named “Jaycee of the Year” in 1963 and was selected to appear in the 1965 edition of “Outstanding Young Men of America.” He was Scoutmaster-Knights of Pythias, and was Associate Advisor of Explorer Scout Troop 105, sponsored by the Westinghouse Keymen’s Club. Denzil was instrumental in organizing the Explorer Troop.

Marion County Heart Association- Chairman of the Heart Fund Drive. Marion County Heart Association-President. He served on the Board of Directors of Rock Lake Club in numerous capacities including Vice President and President.

Denzil proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1950 until 1954. In that time, Denzil was a part of the Korean Conflict where he served as a Senior Personnel Specialist in Tokyo, Japan. He received Superior Efficiency Rating and Excellent Character Rating, various commendation including, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Airman of the Month.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, WV 26554. A private graveside committal service was held at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Pruntytown, WV. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.

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