Walter Rutherford Jr.

Walter Winnan Rutherford Jr., 80, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

Walter was born on October 18, 1944, to Allie Mae Benoit and Walter Rutherford Sr. in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He grew up in Lake Charles.

Following high school, Walter joined the U.S. Navy and served 4 years. During that time, he served in Hawaii, San Diego and on the USS King Destroyer in the 7th Fleet during the Vietnam War before being honorably discharged. He then began his career in the family-owned water well business drilling wells in Louisiana and Texas. He also spent time working in the North Sea offshore in Scotland. He retired after 30 years as owner and operator of Rutherford Water Well Services.

Walter was well known for his generosity and loved helping people in need. He loved to talk about history and always had great stories to tell. As a survivor of Hurricane Audrey at the age of 12, Walter was featured in a documentary "All Over But to Cry". He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening, but he mostly loved cooking for family and friends.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Rhonda Rutherford Montou (John) of Fort Worth, TX and Eddie Rutherford (Danielle) of Round Rock, TX; grandchildren, Jennifer Neu (Scott) of Lindsay, TX and Eric Montou (Olivia) of Fort Worth, TX; great-granddaughter, Frances Montou; brothers, Robert Rutherford and Randy Rutherford; sister, Billie Farr; and niece, Angela Farr, along with numerous other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Allie Mae Benoit and Walter Rutherford Sr.; brothers, Rodney Rutherford, Briant Rutherford Sr., and Allen Rutherford; and sister, Barbara Cureton.

Funeral services are pending, and cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to St. Jude's or your favorite charity.