Thomas J. Hutchins

Thomas J. Hutchins – 80, of Fredericksburg,Texas died peacefully at home Wednesday, June 17, 2015, with family at his side, after a short illness. “Tom” as known to all, was born in Shields, Kansas on August 8, 1934. Tom moved to Scott City, Kansas at an early age with his parents, Clarence “Pete” Hutchins and Mary (Sharp) Hutchins. As an adult, Tom lived in Dighton, Kansas; Montgomery, Alabama; and Fredericksburg, Texas. 

As Tom wrote in his memories, he was born in the middle of the depression and the dust bowl. The doctor who delivered him was paid with a fat hog (worth about $12). Tom’s father Pete usually added to the story that he sometimes thought he would rather have the hog back. Tom had a memorable trip in high school when he visited all 16 MLB ballparks in one trip with his parents and cousin Dan. 

Tom graduated from Scott County High School in 1952. After graduating he married LaVona (Hollister) Sundquist. They had four children, Thomas J. “T.J.” (died 1961), Donald Brett, Kimee Ann Wilkens, and Lisa Maxine Howard. In 1981 Tom married Lane Murphy. 

Tom’s vocation included farming and ranching. When he was not working he enjoyed fishing, horse racing, and his family. A plaque in his home boasts “Fish Tremble When They Hear My Name.”

Tom was preceded in death by a son Thomas J. Hutchins, a brother, and his parents. Tom is survived by his wife of 34 years, Lane Murphy Hutchins; his son, Don and wife Laurie Hutchins (Charlotte, North Carolina); his daughters, Kim and husband Gene Wilkens (Dighton, Kansas) and Lisa and husband Gary Howard (Spring Hill, KS); brother, Eugene Hutchins and sister, Carol Auten (Scott City, KS). Grandchildren, Candace (Hutchins) and husband Andrew Price; Donald (“Skip”) Brett Hutchins; K.J. Wilkens; Bret Wilkens and wife Paige, Benjamin Wilkens and wife Jessa Wilkens, Curtis and Ali Howard. Great-grandchildren Luke and Evan Wilkens. 

Memorial Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday
Place: Bible Fellowship Church in Dighton
Memorials: Lane County Long Term Care
In care of Boomhower Funeral Home
Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com