He was born on July 9, 1924, in Burkburnett, Texas, to Harry and Elizabeth Dutton along with his younger sister, Peggy Whitney.
He went on to graduate from Falfurrias High School in 1942 then attended East Texas State University before proudly joining the United States Coast Guard in October 1943.
He served in World War II as a Gunners Mate as well as completed Radar School in San Diego, CA. He loved to be on a boat of any kind and always teased that his Lowe Aluminum was never as fun to drive as his LST. His military service led to him being a member of the Port Lavaca V.F.W. and a member of the Landing, Ship Tanks Association.
After serving his country he worked on drilling rigs in the oil fields before moving to Victoria, Texas, and working at DuPont as an Operator in 1951. After retiring in 1985 he followed his passion for being on the water and began working at King Fisher Marine as their dispatcher.
Among his many accomplishments he was a Boy Scout Leader, an Honorary Texas Ranger, and a teacher at Trinity Episcopal School. But among his favorite memories was being a Room Mother for his daughter’s fourth-grade class.
On September 16, 1957 he married Joyce Lee Slocum in Dallas, TX. They both loved spending time with their many grandchildren, especially when taking them fishing in the boat. One lasting memory of all his grandkids from their time on the water with him is “Red Right Return.” And those that knew him well knew he was never without a family pet, from Jeannie to Ranger and all of those in between.
He is survived by his sons, Joe Dutton (children Matt, Chance, and Adrianne) and David Dutton (children Kenny, Kaleb, Josh, and Jeremy), a sister, Peggy Whitney, grandson, Brian Edgley and many, many friends.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Joyce Lee Dutton and his daughter, Judy Hill.
The family will receive friends on Friday, September 5, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. at Rosewood Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church on Saturday, September 6 at 10:00 a.m. Immediately after funeral services he will be entombed alongside his wife and daughter at Memory Gardens Mausoleum with full military honors under the auspices of the Victoria Veterans Council.
A special heartfelt thanks to all DuPont Employees and King Fisher employees for loving Harry and making him part of your own special families.
Words of comfort may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
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