John Dewey Hutchinson

Funeral Services for John D. Hutchinson, 83, of Copperas Cove, will be 11:00 AM Thursday, August 30, 2018, at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove. Burial with full military honors will follow at 1:00 PM at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.

John D. died peacefully at home in accordance with his wishes on Friday, August 24.

He was born in Altha, Florida in 1934 to Pope Dewey and Christelle Hutchinson. He graduated from Pompano Beach High School in 1954 where he excelled in sports. He attended Mississippi State University on a football scholarship until a knee injury ended his football career.

In 1954 he joined the Army. His natural leadership abilities led to a successful 30 year career. He was a highly decorated Vietnam Veteran serving 3 tours and earning many honors including the silver star, a bronze star with a V device, and 4 Purple Hearts. He graduated from the Sergeant Major Academy at Ft. Bliss In 1973. He retired in 1984 with the rank of Command Sergeant Major.

He received a Bachelor degree from American Technological University in 1984 after his retirement from the Army. He continued to serve as a government civilian on Ft. Hood working with the Adjutant General in strength management. After his retirement from Civil Service in 2009 he did volunteer work for the U.S.O. and Meals on Wheels

He became a Mason in 1964 in the Blue Lodge of Columbus, Georgia. He was also a member the Waco Scottish Rite and the Hiram Shriners in Copperas Cove. He recently joined the Eastern Star in Copperas Cove. He was also a member of the Copperas Cove Noon Exchange Club.

He was a member of the Southern Cruisers motorcycle club and he had a life long love of sports and the Dallas Cowboys.

He is survived by his wife Patricia; his sister Shirley Faye Hunter; his two sons, John Dennis Hutchinson and Dana Scott Hutchinson; two daughters, Dona Lynn Ellenburg and Kelly Ann Anthony; two step sons, Herschiel Tuley and John Tuley; and a step daughter, Catherine Tuley Salter of Copperas Cove and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a respected, generous, and much loved part of a large extended family that included biological, step, and military members.

Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 PM Wednesday, August 29, 2018, at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove which is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the U.S.O. or the Shriner’s Children Hospital.