Robert A. Hutchings

Robert A. Hutchings, of Spanish Fork, died August 15, 2008, in Payson, Utah, at the age of 81. He was born May 27, 1927, in Springville, Utah to Shepherd Birgus and Ellen Olive Johnson Hutchings. He married Mary Lou Milner on February 9, 1945 in Spanish Fork, Utah. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on May 22, 1945.
His early education was in Spanish Fork, Salem, and Payson, graduating from Payson High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He joined the Navy June 1, 1945 and served at the 12th Naval District Headquarters in San Francisco during WWII. He later served on the USS Valley Forge during the Korean Conflict. After the war, Bob and Mary made their home in Spanish Fork.
Bob took a course in Commercial Art at the Trade Tech in Provo, where he learned the skill of sign painting. For years, he painted many of the business signs in Central Utah. He worked at Geneva and for the Bureau of Reclamation. He worked 27 years for the United State Postal Service as a letter carrier in Spanish Fork.
Bob was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he had served as a scoutmaster and Elder's Quorum President.
He like to build and always had a project adding on a room, building a garage, or building a cabin or "fort" up the canyon. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. He owned and restored antique cars and for years was actively involved in the Utah Valley Old Car Club, serving for a time as its president.
Bob was a member of the American Legion and for many years served as Adjutant. He was instrumental in the design and construction of the Veterans Memorial Monument at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. He loved Spanish Fork and was honored to be chosen along with his wife as Grand Marshall of the Fiesta Days Parade and as Spanish Fork's Citizen of the Year.
He was proud of his Icelandic and pioneer heritage.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; two sons, Gary Robert (Ethel), of Spanish Fork; and Michael A. (Christine), of Payson; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; one brother, Carl; and one sister, Barbara. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Verl, Cliff, and Jack; two sisters, Bertie, and Velma; and one grandson, Karl.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the 19th Ward Chapel, 590 North Main, Spanish Fork. Viewings will be held on Friday, August 22nd from 6:00-8:00 p.m at Walker Mortuary, 187 South Main, Spanish Fork and on Saturday one hour prior to services at the church. Military rites will be provided by American Legion Post 68. Interment will be in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.