Melvin Paul Rutan

Melvin Paul Rutan, age 92, of Washington, went to be with our Lord God Almighty on Thursday, January 26, 2023.  He was born December 29, 1930, in Washington, a son of the late Wray Leslie and Mary Jane (Paul) Rutan.  Mr. Rutan was married to his beloved wife, Sally Ann (Mihalovich) Rutan, for 60 years, until her death on October 8, 2011.  They were married in the Fourth Presbyterian Church on December 17, 1950.  Mr. Rutan was baptized at the Church of the Covenant (Second Presbyterian Church) on January 9, 1938.

Affectionately known as “Banny” for Bantam Rooster, Mr. Rutan was a 1948 graduate of Washington High School.  A 40-year retiree from General Motors (Fisher Body Division in West Mifflin), he was a member of the United Auto Workers (Local 544).

A generous, gracious, grateful, kind, loving, loyal, steadfast, strong, supportive, tender, thoughtful, trusting father, husband and brother, Mr. Rutan always put others ahead of himself.  Faced with real family needs at an early age, he bravely accepted responsibility as sole provider and maintained a strong moral compass of integrity throughout his life.

Mourning Mr. Rutan’s loss are three daughters, Paula Sue (Erwin) Leppert of North Carolina, Pamela Ann (Larry) Garner of Alabama, and Trinity (Terri) Rutan of Washington; four grandchildren, Tammy Lynn Cherry, Brandy Lee Walker, E. Carl Leppert and David Paul Leppert; eight great-grandchildren, Amanda Shook, Zac and Zoe Cherry, Vivian, Crewe, Thomas, Zac and Maggie Leppert; and one great-great grandchild, Hayden Shook. 

In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Rutan was preceded in death by his siblings, Jacqueline Louise Miller, Marjorie Pauline O’Leary, Ellen Jane Rutan and Donald Wray Rutan.

A private memorial service and burial will be held in the Washington Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson at East Katherine Ave., Washington, S. Timothy Warco, Owner/Supervisor, S. Timothy Warco II, Director, Holly Renay Warco, Director, Park N. Crosier, Director.  Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com