Earl Byron Hutchins, born to Sylvester and Mattie Hutchins on April 6,1924, passed away peacefully in his home on January 25, 2025; just 3 months shy of his 101st birthday. Earl and Erma spent the last years of their life in Highland, CA.

Earl is survived by his 4 children: Kathy (Chuck; deceased) Rickertsen, Marcus (Andrea) Hutchins, Douglas (Roseann) Hutchins, and Von (Jacqueline) Hutchins. Earl is also survived by numerous grand and great-grandchildren.

Earl served in WWII as a infantryman in Germany. He was wounded twice within 2 months, receiving two purple hearts and later received a bronze star medal. He concluded that he had been extraordinarily blessed and was most grateful for divine protection. Earl was sure, because of a patriarch's assurance, the prayers of his family and the Lord's design, that He had other purposes for Earl.

Earl met his forever sweetheart, Erma Merrill, in Pullman, WA in 1947, shortly after she graduated from high school, while he was enrolled in college pursuing a degree in business. They married August 12, 1949, in Pullman, WA, and were later sealed in the Logan LDS Temple.

He was in the workforce for over 40 years, 30 of which were with General Electric. He and Erma served 3 missions in Fairfield, IA; Palo Alto, CA and Dalgren, VA. They enjoyed retirement by traveling around the country visiting children and grandchildren until Erma could no longer travel. Earl lovingly and tenderly cared for her until she passed in April 2020.

Living to 100 brought the often-asked question, "What do you attribute your longevity to?" He quipped he was a "slow learner" but added "a more truthful answer to agedness combines healthful habits of food, exercise, and sleep; heart pacemaker; emotional health; and mortal missions with anticipated divine assistance."

Shortly before his passing, he penned a final message to his descendants. In part he said: "I tell young descendants that being served the crust of the bread and the neck of the chicken have characterized my lot in life – though not really." I have lived an especially blessed life. However, like all people, I have known adversity - but not discouragement. Successfully overcoming all obstacles was very clear in my Patriarchal Blessing.

"I have come far enough to know that whatever will be in the remainder of this journey, will be well. I further hope to be able to assist my descendants, from another dimension, through the trying period of the last days."