Charles "Chuck" Hutchison

Charles “Chuck” Hutchison of Las Cruces, New Mexico died at the young age of 88 on April 21, 2025 surrounded by family. He was born in Whitney, Texas to Jesse Raymon Hutchison and Sue Ethel (Halbert) Hutchison on October 3, 1936. His family, along with two older sisters, Juanita "Nita" and Melva, moved to California in 1941 and Mom (Ethel) happily worked in a factory to support the war efforts. It was a happy time for everyone. In 1948, the family made their way to Las Cruces and settled. He was a senior in 1954 at Las Cruces High School and went to work in January 1955 at White Sands Missile Range as a photo equipment operator and maintenance, which he retired from in 1993. He served in the Army Reserves from 1959 to 1965 and spent some time back in California. Chuck married Laura Gorum in 1964 and started a family with two children, Shane and Brandy. They moved into their new house in 1973 and Chuck has resided there ever since. They were married for 13 years.

He spent the next five years adjusting to a new life and Shane moved in and they navigated new territories and adventures together. After living a few years as a bachelor, he met Janine Paine Rudd, who captured his heart and they married right away in 1983. Jann and her two daughters, Debbie and DeDe, joined the family and the family grew quickly over the years as spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren joined the blended family. Jann and Chuck were busy all the time entertaining, celebrating milestones with family and friends, maintaining their beautiful yard that was the pride of the neighborhood, working, and taking trips to the lake.

Chuck described himself as not good at much, yet he was the go to person for anything that needed to be fixed. He was a jack of all trades, not afraid to tackle a project. He had a passion for cars and was mechanically inclined so was always tinkering with something. He built a dune buggy himself, which the whole family enjoyed for decades and it took many trips out to the lake and in the desert. He liked to have fun and laugh and was always surrounded by family. Uncle Chuck was a favorite among nieces and nephews.

After over twenty years of marriage, his life took a turn in 2001 when his wife was diagnosed with cancer and they fought a fervent battle but lost in 2004. Despite the loss, he tread through life as a widower with the help of all of his children and the many grandchildren that stopped by to visit and check on him regularly. Many laughs were shared, advice given, and life circumstances were discussed. The impact that he had on so many lives will last for decades to come. As a father and grandfather, he is described as a patient man who took the time to teach and enjoy the simple things in life. His laugh, his teasing nature, his mechanical knowledge that was needed by everyone in the family, and willingness to help at any time will be missed dearly.

Charles was proceeded in death by his wife Janine Hutchison; parents J.R. And Ethel Hutchison; sisters and their spouses Nita and Pancho Slattery; and Melva and Jack Hixon; and nephew Lenny Hixon. He leaves behind his children and their spouses: Shane Hutchison, Brandy and Micheal Babcock, Deborah Rudd, Danielle and Joe Edwards. He also leaves behind many loving grandchildren and great grandchildren: Courtney Babcock with children Weston and Warren; Sage Babcock; Patrick Larsson (and Shelby) with children Peyton, Tyler and Grayson; Richard ‘Toby’ Larsson; Sean Larsson; Nicolas Larsson; Gabriella Cruz; Cory Edwards; Casey Edwards with children Ella and Zayne; Calvin (and Lori) with children Alvin Jr and Emily with baby Evelyn; Stephanie Edwards; Rebecca Edwards with children Ariana, Isabel, and Yasmin; Melissa Edwards with children J.J. And Mathew; and Jessica Saenz with son Jesse.

His last words of wisdom: Don't get too old.