Joseph Bailey Rutledge

Joseph Bailey Rutledge, 97, of Bragg City, Missouri, died Monday, June 30, 2014, in Cape Girardeau. He was born and raised in Itawamba County, Mississippi.

Bailey graduated from Mississippi State University in 1938. He moved to Steele, Missouri, where he was employed as vocational agriculture teacher in the Steele schools. It was there that he met his future wife, Helen Vickrey. They were married more than 65 years.

From there, he enjoyed a long career making farm loans for Connecticut General. His greatest passion was owning and developing farm land in Southeast Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Greenie and Vera Goodwin Rutledge, and his wife, Helen Vickrey Rutledge.

Mr. Rutledge is survived by his son, James Bailey Rutledge (Becky); two grandchildren, Sarah Elizabeth Rutledge Fischer (Brandon) and William Bailey Rutledge; one great-grandson, Lucas Bailey Fischer; and one sister, Virginia Taylor.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Steele.

Services were held Wednesday at the Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Steele, with the Rev. Todd Holman officiating. Interment followed in Mount Zion Cemetery in Steele, Missouri.

Pall Bearers were Gwin Smith, Mike Bernard, Kevin Hughes, Tony Aldy, Jack Smith and Lonnie Watkins.

John W. German Funeral Home of Steele, Missouri, was in charge of arrangements.