Paul Dean Rutan, 87, of Potomac, passed away at 3:43 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024, at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center, in Danville.

He was born on May 10, 1937, in Bismarck, Illinois, the son of Thurman Robert and Eunice (Brazelton) Rutan.  He married Esther Haussy on June 7, 1964, in Georgetown, Illinois.  She survives.

He is also survived by his three children- Marlenia Rutan of Potomac, Illinois, Michael (Angie) Rutan of North Pole, Alaska and William (April) Rutan of Flat Rock, Illinois; six grandchildren- Kevin Rutan, Jordon Rutan, Ashley (Austin) Trimble, Jonathon (Brittany) Rutan, Jasmyne Rutan and Kiya Rutan; three great-grandchildren- Atticus Rutan, Everleigh Trimble and David Trimble; sister-in-law- Phyllis Rutan of Georgetown; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father-Thurman Rutan, mother-Eunice Morrison, step-father-Charles Morrison and brother- Larry Rutan.

 Paul graduated from Georgetown High School, in 1957.  He served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1963.  He later worked at Hyster, in Danville for over 30 years, until his retirement.  Paul was a member of the First Church of Christ, in Potomac, where he served as a deacon and elder.  He was also a member of the Potomac American Legion.  He enjoyed playing euchre, playing gin, doing wood carvings and going to local festivals.  Paul was known for his daily trips to DG and Casey’s to play the lotto. 

A Celebration of Paul’s Life will be held at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac, with Pastor Randy Walters officiating.  Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home.  According to his wishes cremation rites will be arranged and he will be laid to rest at a later date in the Danville National Cemetery.  Memorials may be made in his name to the VA Illiana Healthcare Volunteer Services.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Paul’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.