Eugene Rutherford; Longtime Base Employee
Eugene Rutherford of Ventura died Tuesday in a Moorpark long-term care facility after a lengthy illness. He was 72.
Rutherford was born Feb. 8, 1926, in Siloam Springs, Ark. He moved from Arkansas to Ventura in 1940.
Rutherford worked at Point Mugu Naval Air Station for 46 years and retired in 1985 as the superintendent of the base’s refrigeration and air-conditioning department.
Rutherford served in the Army for two years and also did a tour with the Merchant Marines. He was a past member of the Oxnard Elks Lodge.
Rutherford is survived by his wife, Shirley Rutherford of Ventura; a son, Steven Rutherford of Mariposa; a daughter, Joelene Rutherford of Santa Maria; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura. Rev. Jim Wells will officiate. Interment is private.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Lung Assn. of Ventura County in Oxnard.
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