M.E. “Yogie” Rutledge Jr., of Lakeland, Florida, passed away on July 26, 2026, just days before his 83rd birthday. He was born on August 2, 1943, in Tampa, Florida, to Morton and Varian Rutledge.

Yogie graduated from Polk Community College and served in the United States Army Reserve from 1964 to 1969. He retired after working nearly 30 years in public service as a Department Manager with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Polk County.

More than anything, Yogie will be remembered for the way he enjoyed life and the people around him. He was fun, outgoing, and always ready with a story or a joke. He loved making people laugh and had a way of bringing life to any get-together. He enjoyed cooking and entertaining, and people always looked forward to the food, laughter, and good times that came with being around him.

Some of Yogie’s favorite memories were made outdoors. He loved hunting at River Ranch, where he often took on the job of camp cook and prepared meals for everyone after a day in the woods. He also loved fishing for snook at Stump Pass and spending time on the water. When he was not hunting, fishing, or cooking, he enjoyed playing poker with his friends.

Yogie cared deeply for his family and never met a stranger. He was generous with his time, always willing to help, and would do anything he could for the people he loved. Those closest to him knew they could count on him whenever they needed him.

He is survived by his daughter, Stacy Teston; his son, Jarrod Rutledge, and wife, Sarah; and his grandchildren, Riley Teston, Peyton Rutledge, Brody Teston, Kailey Rutledge, and Rebekah Rutledge.

Yogie leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, friendships, and memories. He will be deeply missed by his family, his many friends, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Our family finds peace in knowing that near the end of his life, he had the opportunity to spend time with his youngest granddaughter Rebekah, and she was able to lead him to Jesus. We know that we will see him again in heaven.

Yogie’s request was to have his family gather at Stump Pass, one of his favorite places, to celebrate his life and the many memories they shared with him.