John Thomas Hutcheson was born on January 11, 1943 at North Platte Nebraska. He was the second of three sons born to Homer and Helen Hegeman Hutchenson. Tom grew up in the Elsie community where he attended school, graduating from Elsie High School in 1961. He attended mechanic school in Omaha and moved back to Paxton where he worked in a garage for a year.

Tom then returned to Elsie where he farmed with his father in Chase County, south of Elsie. Tom was married to Anita Papka on December 11, 1971 at the Elsie United Methodist Church. After Homer and Helen retired in 1975, Tom and Anita moved to the farm. They sold the farm in 1985 and the family moved into Elsie. Tom worked for the Perkins County District 1 roads department until 1998. He then became the manager of the Adams Lumber Madrid location.

Tom had heart surgery in December of 2005 and retired his manager position in 2006 but continued to come in and do the bookwork for Adams Lumber until his death. Tom suffered an apparent fatal heart attack at his home on late Sunday afternoon, November 29; 2009.He was transferred to the Perkins County Community Hospital in Grant where he died. He had reached the age of 66.

Tom was a member of the Elsie United Methodist Church, the volunteer fire department where he was the past chief, served on the Elsie Village Board for 13 years, and was a member of the Elsie Community Club. He enjoyed watching his children grow up and following their activities. He also had a special relationship with his grandson Tomarcus, as he spent many hours with Tom and Anita. He enjoyed his cell phone and his daily visits with his many friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Anita; 1 son - Justin of Elsie and 1 daughter - LeAnn and her husband, Kory Benz of Aurora Colorado; grandson Tomarcus of Elsie; 2 brothers - Jim (Louise) of Gordon and Bill (Sherry) of McPherson Kansas; many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Elsie United Methodist Church with Pastor Linda Battello, officiating. Burial in the Elsie Cemetery. Bullock-Long Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.