Roger Hutchins, 73

Roger K. Hutchins, age 73, of Sturgis, passed away early Monday afternoon, Dec. 26, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born July 18, 1943, in Hillsdale, Mich., son of the late Wendell and Chlois “Betty” (Center) Hutchins.
Roger resided in Sturgis for the past 52 years coming from Angola, Ind.
On Nov. 28, 1964, he married Janet Washburn at the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis.
Roger was a Tool & Die Maker by trade and retired from the Kirsch Company in Sturgis following 28 years of dedicated employment.
He attended the Sturgis Wesleyan Church now named the Radiant Life Church.
Roger was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War earning the rank of E-4. He enjoyed playing pool, traveling to casinos and playing card games on his computer.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 52 years, Janet; one daughter, Renee (Keith) Dawson of Fort Wayne, Ind.; one son, Dennis (Brenda) Hutchins of Sturgis; two granddaughters, Amber (Lorenzo) Cruz of Sturgis and Alyssa (Phil) Nantkes of Fort Wayne, Ind.; five great-grandchildren, Vidal “Jr.” Cruz, Leticia Cruz, Lillyanna Haley, Dwayne Coulson and Elijah Sample; one brother, David (Marilyn) Hutchins of Camden; one sister, Nancy Phillips of South Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother and sister-in-law, Phil and Peggy Hutchins; and three brothers-in-law, Bill Phillips, George Washburn and Dick Penoyor.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A private memorial service celebrating and honoring the life of Roger K. Hutchins will be held at a later date at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331. Full military honors will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Army Honor Guard.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Roger’s memory consider Hospice of Sturgis, P.O. Box 126, Sturgis, MI 49091.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.