Charles Rutledge

Dr. Charles O. ‘Chip’ Rutledge, former Dean of Pharmacy at Purdue University, distinguished pharmacologist, academic leader, and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on September 4, 2026, at the age of 88.

Born in Topeka, Kansas, to Charles Ozwin Rutledge, Sr. and Alta Seaman Rutledge, Chip was raised in Kansas City. He became an Eagle Scout and later Lodge Chief of the Order of the Arrow. His interest in science began early through the Science Field Club at Wyandotte High School.

Chip earned both his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and Master's degree in Pharmacology from the University of Kansas, followed by a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Harvard Medical School. He was married in 1961 to Jane Crow. A NATO postdoctoral fellowship took them to Sweden, where he studied with Nobel Laureate Arvid Carlsson-a formative year that launched his career in neuropharmacology, and where they welcomed their first child, David.

In 1967, Chip began his academic career at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver, where their family grew to include three daughters: Susie, Betsy, and Karen. In 1975, he returned to the University of Kansas to chair the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology.

In 1987, he became Dean of the Schools of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Health Sciences at Purdue University, a position he held for fifteen years. He led the transition to the PharmD model, preparing pharmacists to work together with physicians and interdisciplinary healthcare teams to provide better care for patients.

Chip also served as the founding executive director of Purdue University's Discovery Park, advancing interdisciplinary research by connecting scientists with engineers and entrepreneurs to solve societal problems and bring solutions to market. He went on to serve as Vice President for Research, increasing the partnership between Indiana University and Purdue's life sciences initiatives using jointly pooled funds and sharing data.

Chip's professional service included presidencies of the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) and the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)-roles in which his leadership shaped national conversations about scientific research and pharmacy education. He also wrote a humorous song that became a beloved, mandatory sing-along at Catecholamine Club meetings-a reflection of his creativity and ability to bring people together. His honors included the Rho Chi Lecture Award, the Sagamore of the Wabash, and induction as an ASPET Fellow.

Chip's strength was creating connections that helped people do their best work. He championed diversity and welcomed new voices. His leadership was disciplined and rooted in strategic vision. As a leader – and as a father – he had a calm presence, listened patiently (sometimes while resting his eyes), and found joy in working through scenarios to help discover the best solution.

A lifelong learner, he spent his retirement studying French, taking ukulele lessons, and reading the world's 100 greatest books. He loved cultivating gardens, organizing family band singalongs every Christmas, playing cards with friends, and delighting in family gatherings. He and Jane celebrated their 65th anniversary just weeks before his passing.

He is survived by his wife, Jane, and their children David (Suchari), Susan (Brian) Amos, Elizabeth (Steve) Smith, and Karen, and ten grandchildren: Daniel, Samuel, and Joseph Rutledge; David, Charlotte, and Thomas Amos; Charles, Maya, and Jacob Smith; Kayla (Cierra) Rutledge-Spearman and Kadrionis Rutledge.

Also surviving are his brother Harry (Nancy) Rutledge, stepbrothers Bud and Frank Butler, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Chip will be deeply missed by all who loved him and by the many people whose lives were shaped by his kindness, wisdom, curiosity, humor, gratitude, and generosity of spirit. His influence will continue for generations, carried forward by those he inspired.

Chip's family will celebrate his life with a visitation on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 1:00 pm followed by a memorial service at 2:30 pm at First United Methodist Church, 1700 Mitch Daniels Blvd (formerly State St), West Lafayette, IN 47906.

The family has designated Purdue's College of Pharmacy, Dean's Excellence Fund for memorial contributions in memory of Chip Rutledge. Please make donations online at http://giving.purdue.edu/IMOChipRutledge

You may leave memories and condolences at www.soller-baker.com