Robert Elbert Hutchison, Jr., of Newark, Arkansas, departed this life on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at the age of 93. He was born January 26, 1930, in Newark, the son of Robert E. Hutchison, Sr., and Cornelia Bell (Weaver) Hutchison.
Robert and his wife, Irene met in March of 1946, they fell in love and were married on May 15, 1948. They spent the next 75 wonderful years together. Mr. Hutchison loved his wife dearly and was a loving, devoted husband to her.
He retired from Synergy Gas Company, where he worked as a sheet metal layout for 32 years. Mr. Hutchison enjoyed working in his shop, gardening, and reading his Bible. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Mr. Hutchison was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Cornelius “Dick” Hutchison; and two sisters, Myrtle Lee McElrath and Faye Majors.
He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Velma Irene (James) Hutchison of the home; his children, Duane Hutchison and wife, Lisa, of Little Rock, Cheryl Hutchison Smith and husband, Mike of Southside, Melba Kay Hutchison McVay and husband, Jim of Newark, and Freda Russ of Little Rock; eight grandchildren, Marcia McVay, Darren McVay and wife, Melissa, Leslie Brown and husband, Tim, Jonathan Russ and Megan, Rachel Hutchison, Daniel Hutchison, Michael Smith and wife, Torrie, and Candace Smith and fiancé, Austin; seven great-grandchildren, Madison McVay, Kennedy McVay, Isaiah McVay, Brookelyn Brown, Declan Brown, Scarlett Brown, and Magnolia Smith; one brother, Noel Hutchison and wife, Louise of Newark; three sisters, Ruby Ward of Oklahoma, Jean Burns of Benton, and Helen Garner and husband, Sonny of Magness; several nieces, nephews; and a lifetime of friends.
