Claude Leland Hutchison's Obituary
Claude Leland Hutchison, 92, loving husband, cherished father, and beloved brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and great-uncle, of Proctorville, Ohio, moved into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on the morning of December 6th, 2024.
He was born on April 26, 1932, in Mason County, WV, to William Thomas and Ima Zella (Conard) Hutchison. Claude started working from an early age, as he stayed back by himself to run the family farm on Reeves Creek, OH, at the young age of 12 when his father relocated to Huntington to work for C&O Railroad to support efforts during World War II. In 1947, Claude moved to Huntington, and started working as a mechanic and opened his own shop at 15. Claude was a graduate of Huntington East High School in 1951, majoring in mechanical drafting at Trade School.
Claude had a 70+ year career in the fire sprinkler industry as an engineer. He began his fire protection career as a field technician alongside his brother, Charles, in 1949. He later started Hutchison Fire Protection in 1970 as the owner and lead engineer and finished his career in partnership with his son, Phillip, as they opened Heritage Fire Protection in 1989 as co-owners, where Claude served as President and Phillip, Vice President, for over 35 years. Claude enjoyed an impeccable personal and work relationship with his son, Phillip, working side by side for over 50 years, achieving great success and accolades along the way. They were the perfect balance. Claude’s work ethic and stamina were unmatched - characteristics passed on and seen in his children and grandchildren. He garnered immense respect in the fire protection industry and built and maintained many special relationships with his employees over the years. He was a mentor to many and was known as the most patient and thorough teacher. It is said that a good teacher explains, but a great teacher inspires, and Claude inspired two generations to follow his path. Claude was also a KY Certified Fire Protection Engineer and a Lifetime Member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
In 1951, Claude was introduced to the love of his life, Glenda, or as he called her, “Miss Universe”. They married a year later on March 1, 1952, at the Rome United Methodist Church in Rome, Ohio, at the young ages of 19 and 18, respectively. Earlier this year, Claude and Glenda celebrated 72 wonderful years of marriage.
Claude was the happiest and most content when spending time with his family. Claude loved traveling to Charlotte, North Carolina, to visit his daughter, Rhonda, and son-in-law, Fred. Rhonda cherished time with her parents, making every visit feel like a special celebration. Even though Claude and Phillip spent countless hours working together, they also enjoyed spending their personal time together in many ways. Claude was a fan of Marshall University Basketball, which he loved watching and attending with his son, Phillip.
He was a proud grandfather to his three granddaughters, Allison, Erica and Victoria, and treasured quality time together. He was always their greatest supporter and number one cheerleader. He cherished every visit to the Carolinas with his granddaughter, Allison (Jason), and great-grandchildren Maddox and Griffin. Claude also enjoyed working with his granddaughters, Erica and Victoria, in the family business for several years, and later enjoyed mentoring Victoria as she followed in his footsteps to become a fire protection engineer.
For Claude, time together was never long enough. Every visit ended with a hug and “When are you coming back?”
He was a devout Christian who loved the Lord. He was long-time member of Christ Community Church of Proctorville, OH, and was currently attending Central Freewill Baptist Church of Huntington, WV.
Claude was the epitome of goodness, strength, integrity, honor, and generosity. He was well loved by all who knew him. He was truly cherished by his family and well-respected in the fire protection industry. He had a jolly demeanor and loved to tell stories of the “good ole days”. He lived a full and rewarding life. He was a joy to all who knew him, and will be missed by all, especially his family who loved him dearly.
Claude is preceded in death by his parents, William Thomas and Ima Zella Hutchison; beloved daughter, Rhonda Hutchison Stone, and his two brothers, Charles Hutchison and William Hutchison. He is survived by his loving wife, Glenda Ward Hutchison; his beloved son, Phillip Hutchison (Cheri); son-in-law, Frederick Stone; three granddaughters, Allison Stone Locke (Jason) of Oak Ridge, NC, Erica Hutchison Foster (Geoff) of Winfield, WV, and Victoria Hutchison Lutz (Matthew) of Medford, MA; two great-grandsons, Maddox Locke and Griffin Locke, and his sister, Margaret Hamilton. He also leaves behind many special brother/sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Hall Funeral Home and Crematory in Proctorville, Ohio, with Pastor John Arnold and Pastor Steve Williams, officiating, and music provided by Claude’s nephew, Jimmy Hutchison. Visitation will be held at 1:00 P.M., one hour prior to services. Burial will follow at Rome Cemetery in Proctorville, Ohio. Condolences may be expressed to the family at ehallfuneralhome.com
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