David Hutchens

WWIIHUTCHENSDavid Dale. Preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Mary and an infant son, James. He is survived by his daughter Susan (Glen) King, son Larry (Kathy), son Douglas (Joyce), and his current wife of 23 years, Martha. Also survived by grandchildren Ken, Brian, David, James, Sarah, and Danny as well as great grandchildren Christopher and Elianna, and sisters Mary, Marjorie and Winnifred. Two great grandchildren Zachary and Connor, two sisters and two brothers preceded him in death. Passed away Thursday, September 13, 2012 at the age of 90. Visitation at Vorhis & Ryan Funeral Home, 11365 Springfield Pike, Springdale on Monday, September 17, 2012 from 6:00-7:30 PM. Family and friends to meet at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at 8:15 AM to process to Spring Grove Cemetery for a graveside service with full military honors at 9:30 AM. Memorial service to follow at 11:00 AM on Tuesday at Presbyterian Church of Wyoming, 225 Wyoming Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Presbyterian Church of Wyoming Endowment Program are encouraged. Dave was born February 8, 1922 in Economy, Indiana. While growing up predominately in the Detroit, Michigan area, he attended the Lawrence Institute of Technology for two years prior to Pearl Harbor Day. Upon the entry of the US into WWII, Dave enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He trained as a B-17 pilot graduating from pilot training in August of 1943. He postponed marriage to Mary F. Wilson, the first love of his life, until after completion of his 25 missions in Europe. The missions that he completed were some of the most difficult and dangerous of the entire War. After returning to the US and marriage to Mary on March 25, 1944, Dave was stationed at Wright Patterson AFB, the first of several assignments at that location during his memorable and distinguished 24 year Air Force career. Retiring as a Colonel in 1966, he joined the General Electric Company as a manager of several significant engine programs. The last one was the B-1 engine for which he served as the acting general manager. Dave was always active in his church, the Presbyterian Church of Wyoming, serving as a church officer and always volunteering for challenging assignments including chairing a large building campaign at the age of 80.