Robert Glenn Hutchens

Bob was born in Decatur, Illinois on January 3rd, 1932 to Martha and Oliver Hutchens. He was the youngest of nine children, all proceeded him in death. He is survived by Viola Hutchens, his wife of 70 years, as well as his children Susan Ferguson, Doug Hutchens, and David Hutchens. Bob and Vi have 7 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and 2 on the way.

After graduating High School in 1950, Bob went to work for Grigoleit Industrial in Decatur, Illinois as a tool and die-maker apprentice.

In 1952, he joined the Navy and after completing boot camp he met Vi on a blind date. Shortly after, he was assigned to the USS Merapi, a supply ship. While deployed, he corresponded with Vi through letters. He married Vi while on leave on October 20th, 1953 and Vi moved to San Francisco that same year to be with him until he was deployed to Guam.

Bob was discharged in 1955 and he and Vi lived together in Decatur, Illinois until they built their first house in Mount Zion with used lumber. They built a second house in Mount Zion before moving to Arizona in 1963 with their three young children.

In Arizona, Bob worked for Dickson Electronics as a tool and die-maker and eventually he ran his own business repairing dry cleaning equipment. He eventually ended his business and took work at Motorola where he worked until his retirement.

Bob built two houses in Arizona. One for his daughter Susan in Scottsdale and one with his son David in Fountain Hills. He also did several home renovations.

Being able to fix a problem for someone gave him so much joy, whether cars, plumbing, broken furniture, he loved to fixed it all. He turned his garage into a workshop and he was known in the neighborhood as “Garage Bob”. He spent his time there building and repairing furniture, turning bowls on his lathe, building model airplanes, teaching his grandkids how to use tools, and fixing anything anyone asked him to fix.

Bob was a kind and friendly man. He was an avid hiker and fisherman. Bob and Vi took several cruises and enjoyed road trips in their motorhome.

In Bob’s later life he began painting pictures. Several of his paintings hang in his children and grandchildren’s homes.

Above all, Bob’s greatest joy was his family. He and Vi celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on October 20th, shortly before his death. Bob loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and his face always lit up with joy when they visited.

He was full of joy, even to the end.

A celebration of life for Robert will be held Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery, 401 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85257.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greenacresmortuary.net for the Hutchens family.