The 1937 Walton High School basketball team members were (front row, left to right): Ed Taylor, Dawson Cawthon, Gerdon Tappan, John Rutan, Jeb Stuart Gaston, (middle row) Woody Wesley, Bob Hatcher, Frank Mzwreck, Earl Wesley, Kenneth Sconiers, Charles Taylor, (back row) Buddy Lowery, coaches Shorty Waites, Grey Wilson, and Ox Clarke.
John Oliver Rutan (above, first row, 2nd from right) was born on October 23, 1919, in Jacksonville to John and Della Rutan. The family soon moved to DeFuniak Springs, and John O. attended Walton High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during World War II.
John O. Rutan married Wanda Jean Cochrane on February 6, 1946, and they had two sons and three daughters. John was the owner and operator of Vogue Cleaners in DeFuniak Springs. Florida records show John and Wanda divorced on January 5, 1978, but they are buried together.
Burial: Magnolia Cemetery, DeFuniak Springs