Herbert E. Rutter, 78, of Deshler died Tuesday, June 24, at Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay.

He was born on Sept. 16, 1918, to Roy D. and Esme (Rayle) Rutter in Deshler. On June 20, 1948. he married Doris Roe Ward Rutter and she died Nov. 19, 1993.

Mr. Rutter was a member of the Deshler United Methodist Church. He was a charter member of the Deshler Lions Club, of which he was a past president and 40-year member. He also was a former president of the Deshler Chamber of Commerce, and a life member of the Deshler American Legion Post 316, where he had been a member for fifty years.

Mr. Rutter was employed for seven years at the Farmers Store in Deshler as a clerk and manager, 17 years at the Charles Company In Deshler as a manager, and was an owner of Rutter's Men's Clothing Store & Shoe Store for 16 years. Mr. Rutter was also a published poet.

He served in the European Theater 3rd and 15th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron during WW II in the Army in the Weapons repair unit and Mortar Gunner & Bazooka Gunner Division. He received four campaign medals.

He is survived by his daughters, Mrs. Ronald (Nancy) Hughes, of McComb, and Patricia Rutter of Sylvania; five grandchildren; five greatgrandchildren; brother, Don, and sisters, Mildred Powell, Mrs.Wayne (Eileen) Phillips, and Mrs. Robert (Lynn) Line.

He was preceded in death by his stepson, Bruce Ward; bothers, Ed, Bob, and Paul (Porky), and sister, Mrs. Carol Myers.

Funeral services were held Friday, June 27, in the Deshler United Methodist Church, with the Rev. R. L. Barnett officiating. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Deshler. The family suggests that memorials be made to the Deshler E.M.S., the Church, or to a charity of the donor's choice.