Richard Cochran Rutherford

Richard Cochran Rutherford, 75, of London, died December 15, 2023. He was born January 7, 1948, in Richlands, Virginia, the son of Robert Doyle and Dorothy Viola (Vance) Rutherford.

Richard graduated from Pleasantview High School where he enjoyed playing on the high school basketball team. After high school he worked for over 30 years for Lennox, he worked there until the day they closed their doors and moved to Iowa. He then began working for London City Schools where he worked for over 20 years as a bus mechanic. Richard had a true gift for working on motors, and loved helping others when they were having trouble with their vehicles. He enjoyed driving and working on his church van. One of his great passions was working with the youth, whether it was youth from London City Schools or youth from his Church the Apostolic Gospel church he was very active playing ball, taking them fishing, and having cookouts. Richard loved having many people around, especially his grandchildren, he would play any board game they asked him to play. In his spare time, he was in a bowling league in Columbus, played cornhole, horseshoes, and euchre. One of his greatest accomplishments was coming to know the lord, he was very proud to be right with the lord and live as the lord would want him to live.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 37 years Tara Lynn (Underhill) Rutherford; children: Richard Rutherford, Robert Rutherford, Rodney Rutherford, Randi Rutherford, Paula Williams, and Rodney Williams; siblings: Robert Rutherford, Sheila Mutter (Rutherford), Shelly LeeMaster (Rutherford), Sharlene Rutherford; 16 grandchildren and 3 great- grandchildren; numerous cousins and lifelong friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Sherry (Gates) Rutherford, Michelle Williams, and Rocky Rutherford.

The family invited friends to call at the Lynch Family Funeral Home, 124 E. High St., London, December 19, 2023, from 5-7 PM, there will be a one-hour visitation from 10am- 11am, Wednesday, December 20, 2023, immediately following, the funeral service will begin at 11am, with Pastor Mike Underhill officiating. Interment will follow at Paint Township Cemetery, London.