Thomas Edward Hutchison, Jr., 84, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
He was born July 22, 1939 in St. Joseph to Thomas Edward Hutchison, Sr., and Nellie Viola (Wheeler) Hutchison. He grew up in the French Bottoms, and loved reminiscing with family and friends about childhood memories on the farm.
Thomas married Patricia Bravo. They later divorced but remained good friends.
He was an over-the-road truck driver for his whole life before retiring in 1996. He was a lifetime member of Teamsters Local 41. Even though he drove for a living, Thomas loved to drive on his own time, especially on family vacations to national parks across the country.
Thomas was well-known as a social butterfly. He was always on the phone teasing people just to get something going or hanging out with his “Breakfast Club” friends at the casino, Betty’s Café, Hy-Vee or his favorite, Holt’s Place.
He loved to hunt pheasant, quail, turkey and antelope, and loved to go fishing. Tom loved the times he spent in Alaska fishing. He was most happy when he was outdoors.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Nicholas Slatier; and siblings, John Hutchison, Beverly Schweder, and Phyllis “Sweetie” Wallace.
Survivors include his children, Kimberly Slatier (Phillip), Thomas E. Hutchison III (Stacey), and Kirsten Hutchison; grandchildren, Cody Hutchison (Raven), Alex Gray (Mitch), Chris Slatier (Ariel), Whitney Hutchison (Andrew), Hannah Slatier, and Noah Hutchison; great-grandchildren, Delaney, Marlee, Stevie, Lennox, Logan, Leighna, and one on the way; sister, Donna “Nook” Hutchison Hilton (Doug), former wife, Patricia Hutchison; and numerous other extended family members and friends.
Graveside Farewell Services and Interment 1:00 P.M. Monday, May 6, Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial contributions to Children’s Mercy Hospital Cardiology Unit or the Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
