Harry Hutchens

Harry Price Hutchens, Jr. passed away 16 February 2018. He was born 6 April 1927 in Ranger, Texas, son of H.P. and Hazel (Sturm) Hutchens. He grew up near the oil fields of Kilgore, TX with three younger sisters, Violet, Pauline, and Barbara. He was raised ‘based on the love of God, family, and fellow man; principles of respect for others and the value of education and hard work.’(1)

Harry achieved the rank of Lt. (JG) in the U.S. Navy Reserve, with active duty from July 1944 to August 1946. He was honorably discharged on October 5, 1959.

He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Kansas in 1947 in the field of Electrical Engineering. He attended the University of Houston and South Texas College of Law and received his degree of Doctor of Jurisprudence on June 4, 1956.

Harry had an exceedingly high number of achievements. His career was multi-faceted. As a young engineer, he worked for Kansas City Power and Light, Co and Gulf Oil Corp where he refined his skills as an expert in engineering. But in 1952, it will be the company, Brown and Root , where he will become the Senior Vice President, fulfill contracts around the world in large cities and exotic ports, and establish a reputation and legacy to be remembered by professionals and family alike. He will dedicate thirty four extraordinary years of his life to this company. His significant contribution to the Joint Venture of the U.S. Manned Space Flight Program will be the most shared of his experiences among family and friends. In 1986, he will begin his professional career as a lawyer where he will embrace and cherish the love of law for the next thirty years. Beginning 1997, he will proudly serve as Chairman of the Board of South Texas College of Law Houston until 2003.

Even with this astonishingly pristine career, his personal life never suffered. He married Helen Eloise Anglin on February 5, 1950. She was a professional in her own right and the power couple traveled the world and found themselves part of many historical events in the middle east. After Helen’s death on January 30, 2008, Harry remarried on August 26, 2010 to Emelda Nkchinyere Mbah. Harry and Emelda would also travel to many places visiting her home country of Nigeria during their seven years of marriage and will make many memories.

Harry Price Hutchens, Jr. is survived by his spouse, Emelda, his two sisters, Pauline Doege and Barbara Roberts, five nieces, 5 nephews, and their offspring. His sister, Violet Day, preceded his death by just six months.

RIP our dear Uncle.

(1) Synoptic Resume, Harry Price Hutchens, Jr., Houston, TX, 06/25/94

In Lieu of flowers please donate to Harry Hutchens Engineering Scholarship at Kilgore College and to the South Texas College of Law.