Charles Hutson

Charles Lynn Hutson, 65, died Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2003, at his home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born in Eldorado, Kan., July 23, 1938, son of Glenn and Helen Farrar Hutson. He and Judi Clore were married Jan. 10, 1958.

Hutson owned and operated Hutson's Furniture Store in downtown Cape, taking over the presidency of Hutson Enterprises from his father, Glenn, and his uncle, Lynn Hutson.

He was instrumental in the revitalization of the downtown area and served as past president of Cape Girardeau Downtown Redevelopment Authority. He also served as president and board member of the Downtown Merchants Association, as well as president of Cape Girardeau County Industrial Development Authority and past president of "Greater Cape".

He was past president of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce where he served three terms as a board member. He was a founding member of Cape Girardeau Vision 2000 and a board member of South Main Street Levee District. Hutson was also a past board member of Broyhill Furniture Industries National Gallery Dealer Council.

Hutson was the primary designer of the Christmas window at Hutson's which was a Christmas tradition in the area for 43 years.

He graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a bachelor of science in industrial technology and business. While at Southeast he was involved in the Benton Society and the Marketing Club. Later he received the Alumni Merit Award from the university. He also served the university as president of Southeast Missouri University Foundation Board and was emeriti member of the foundation board.

In addition to the Alumni Merit Award, Hutson was the recipient of the Rush H. Limbaugh Award given by the Chamber of Commerce and the Missouri State Hospital Association's Excellence in Governance Award. In 1995 Hutson Enterprises received the Small Business of the Year Award.

In the community, Hutson served as director of First National Bank and past director of Boatman's. He was a past president and member of the board of trustees and the executive committee of Southeast Missouri Hospital and served on Southeast Missouri Hospital Board of Nursing.

Hutson was past president and life member of Cape Girardeau Evening Optimist Club, a member of Capaha Antique Car Club and St. Mark's Masonic Lodge 93. He was also a member and past president of the Tower Club. He was president and social chairman of "Order of the Bottle".

He was a deacon and former member of the finance committee and personnel committee at First Baptist Church.

Hutson served on various fund drives in the community including United Way, American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, American Cancer Society, National Heart Association and March of Dimes.

Survivors include his wife; a son, David Hutson of Cape Girardeau, a son and daughter-in-law, Christopher L. and Jerra Hutson of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Helen Hammond; a brother, James G. Hutson, both of Cape Girardeau; two grandsons, Alec Christopher and Ethan Charles Hutson of Cape Girardeau; and mother-in-law, Marcella Hoeller of Cape Girardeau. Also surviving is a number of nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. today at First Baptist Church, 926 Broadway, with Dr. Jay White officiating. Following the service, those attending are invited to visit with the family in the lower auditorium of the church.

Graveside rites with Dr. Jay White and St. Mark's Masonic Lodge will be held at Lorimier Cemetery at a later date.

Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The family requests memorials be made to First Baptist Church, Southeast Missouri University Foundation, or Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation.