Obituaries: COL (Ret) Merl G. Hutto
April 03, 2015
COL (RET) MERL G. HUTTO
18 Aug 1923 – 30 Mar 2015
Cornwall-on-the-Hudson, New York
COL (Ret) Merl G. Hutto, of Cornwall-on-the-Hudson, New York, passed away on March 30, 2015 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Newburgh, New York. He was 91 years old.
The son of Ray and Iva Hutto, Merl was born on 18 August 1923 in Windfall, Indiana.
After attending Indiana University for several years, Merl earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 1946. He later earned his Master of Science in Business Administration from George Washington University in 1967. Merl initially served as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps, and in 1948 transitioned to the newly established U.S. Air Force. During his career he also completed the courses of instruction at the Air Tactical School (1947), Command and Staff College (1962), and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (1967).
Merl honorably and proudly served his country as a member of both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. He served at many military bases in the United States, including Kirkland Air Force Base, New Mexico, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton Ohio, and the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. His overseas assignments included assignments with the Air Attaché to the U.S Embassy in Santiago, Chile, Royal Air Force Base Wethersfield, United Kingdom, and Royal Air Force Base Upper Heyford, United Kingdom. He moved his family 28 times during his military career.
During his military career he was honored with many military decorations, medals, badges, and commendations, including the Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf cluster), the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Joint Services Commendation Medal and the Pilot of War Wings medal, awarded by the Chilean government.
Following his retirement from 30 years of active duty in 1976, he worked as the Director of Engineering at Mastercraft, Industries, Inc., in Newburgh, New York, until his full retirement at age 83, in 2006.
He was an active member of the Orange County Republican Committee, serving as Chairman of the Town of Cornwall Republican Committee for several years.
He will be missed greatly by his family and friends, all over the world. His ability to mentor and grow people was unparalleled, and his contributions to the community were many, and extremely varied.
Merl is survived by his son, Todd Hutto, and his wife, Vaness of Huntsville, Alabama. Daughter Tiffin L. Despres of San Antonio, Texas, and son-in-law Louis Despres of Houston, Texas. Grandchildren: Andrew Hutto, Morgan Hutto, Christopher Hutto, Robert Domitrovich, Adam Despres, Aubrie Despres, and Darcie Despres. Great Grandchildren: Ella Despres, Keeton Hutto, Rylan Troy Despres and Lilliana Despres. He was predeceased by his wife, Milada Hutto, and son, Troy L. Hutto.
Visitation will be held from 6pm to 9pm on Wednesday, the 8th of April 2015, at Quigley Bros. Funeral Home, 337 Hudson St. Cornwall-On-Hudson New York. A Funeral Service will be held at 10am on Thursday, the 9th of April, 2015 at the Old Cadet Chapel, West Point, New York. Burial will follow the Service at the West Point Post Cemetery.
Contributions in Merl’s memory may be made to the West Point Association of Graduates. Information on making donations can be found at:
https://www.westpointaog.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=4752 For assistance with making your gift to West Point Association of Graduates, please contact the Gift Operations Office at [email protected] or 845.446.1658.
Arrangements are by Kevin Quigley of Quigley Bros. Funeral Home; to send condolences, or to get directions to the funeral home, please go to www.Quigleybros.com
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