Robert Ayers Hutchison, 90, passed away November 13, 2022, in the arms of his loving wife of 69 years, Pat, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Randy (Debie), of Centennial, CO, and son Jim (Sondra), of Hutchinson, 6 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren.
Robert Ayers Hutchison was born February 25th, 1932, in Greeley, CO, to Carl and Clemma (Hutchison) Ayers. Bob’s mother passed away from pneumonia two days after his birth. Since Carl had 5 older children to care for, he asked Clemma’s brother and his wife, Hartzel and Bertha (Converth) Hutchison, to care for Bob until Carl could arrange to care for him at some future date. It was not long before Hartzel and Bertie loved Bob as if he were their own. Bob was raised by his uncle and aunt on their modest farm 16 miles northwest of Dodge City. He graduated from Dodge City High School in 1950 and from Fort Hays State University in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1969 he received a Master’s Degree in teaching from Western State University in Gunnison, Co.
The Albert Wasson family farmed a few miles from the Hutchison’s. Bob had known this family for several years. He was smitten with their daughter, Patsy. They were married August 23, 1953, three months after Patsy graduated from Dodge City High School.
Bob spent his life as an educator, teaching industrial arts in Garden City, Tribune, Flagler, CO, and Eagle CO. In 1964 he switched to teaching 6th grade when they moved to Aurora, CO, where he taught for the next 15 years. Bob had a lifetime love of automobiles and spent several years in the auto repair business. Bob and Pat then moved to Gunnison, CO, where they enjoyed their love of snowmobiling in the winter and 4-wheeling in the summer. They later returned to Dodge City and then settled in Hutchinson where they have lived for the last 17 years. Bob was a Para in the Hutchinson School District until 3 years ago when he finally retired altogether.
Bob was an outstanding husband, father, and grandfather. He was loved and respected by all who knew him.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 3, 2022, at the Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with Seth Hamilton officiating. The memorial service can be viewed online by going to Robert’s obituary and selecting the “Click here to view the memorial service” link. Cremation has taken place. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to First Christian Church- Dodge City, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.