Sterling Dale Hutchins

Sterling Dale Hutchins, 94, passed away on September 15, 2024, at the Winfield Senior Living Community in Winfield, Kansas. 

Dale was born during a snowstorm at his parent’s home on a farm near Geuda Springs, KS on January 19, 1930.  When he married the love of his life, Illene McDaniel in 1949, he moved to a farmhouse across the section.  Dale resided on that same section of Kansas farmland his entire 94 years.  His lifelong love of farming began in childhood, and he worked hard to make a living from the land.  A wheat grower and cattle producer, he was also a skilled mechanic and craftsman who could fix anything.  He even designed and built several of his own farm implements. In addition to full-time farming, Dale spent more than 20 years as a contract pumper for Slawson Oil Company, taking care of a number of oil wells in the area.  Dale loved fishing, taking many large catfish out of the Arkansas River and Slate Creek.  He also enjoyed deer hunting on his farmland and took his share of large bucks over the years.  He cared for his community and served a variety of volunteer roles including school board member, church trustee, Township Official, and rural fire fighter.  

Dale and Illene met as teenagers while attending Baptist Youth Fellowship (BYF) at the Slate Valley Baptist Church, where they would become long time members.  They celebrated 75 years of marriage in May 2024.  A remarkable milestone and a statement of their lifelong love for each other.  

Dale is survived by his wife, Illene (McDaniel) Hutchins, his 3 children:  Greg (Ardis) Hutchins of Madison WI, David (Betty) Hutchins of rural Geuda Springs, and Sheryl (Hutchins) King of Winfield; his 7 grandchildren:  Luke Hutchins, Tyler Hutchins, Christine (Hutchins) Webb, Jennifer King, Spencer King, Jessie (Hutchins) Lucero, Shelbie (Hutchins) Fitch; 8 great-grandchildren.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Lewis Hutchins and Helen Condit Hutchins his brother, Delbert Lee Hutchins, and his son-in-law, Bradley King.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 22, 3:00-5:00 PM at Shelley Family Funeral Home in Winfield, KS.  Graveside service will be held at Highland Cemetery in Winfield, KS at 1:00 P.M. Monday, September 23, 2024.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, donations may be left in the care of the funeral home.