Birth date: Jun 1, 1957 Death date: Feb 18, 2025
With profound love and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we celebrate the legacy of Rev. Don Hutchings, who went home to be with the Lord on February 18, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, pastor, evangelist, mentor Read Obituary
I knew him in high school and in a Christian youth group. He was faithful and funny and kind. God welcomes this good and faithful servant!
Pastor Don married my wife and I on July 3, 1986. We met in Italy where both of us were stationed in the Navy and returned to the States to be married. He was the new young Pastor of Lakeview Assembly of God, my older brother and sister-in-law’s church, and willingly agreed to perform the ceremony. Upon meeting Pastor Don, he greeted us with a hearty handshake and a warm smile underneath that dark moustache. The ceremony was a small one with just family and friends. By the time we got back to the States a few years later he had moved to Fort Smith. Pastor Don’s life was truly a life well-lived and his legacy will be carried on in the many lives he touched. To quote the Greek statesman Pericles "What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others”. ~ Corky and Donna Leaton still together after 39 years
So many memories how can I share just one. You were a kind and gentle person a friend to all. When you asked my name I said you can call me Dixie or Dee. You called me Dixie Dee. The only person I gave permission to do so. It has been a honor knowing you.
Pastor Don, I will never forget the look on your face when you caught me trying to dodge shaking your hand in the lobby. I was an adult child of an alcoholic who feared authority figures. Your teaching on codependency is where my journey to self-discovery, healing, and viewing God as a loving heavenly Father began. Those things may not go together in everyone’s mind, but you recognized there was more to human behavior and our walk with God than met the eye. I am so thankful for your time on this earth and to your loving family who shared you with us. Even in this moment, you are inspiring me to be the person that God has called me to be.
I can never thank God enough for bringing Pastor Don into my life at a time when I needed guidance. There were times I prayed about an issue I was troubled over. When I'd ask for God to show me the way, His answer for me I would find in Pastor Don's sermons. I just wish I would have told Pastor Don just how much he helped me during that time in my life. Miss Carol, you will be in my prayers and thoughts. I feel very blessed to have known Pastor Don, Carol and their family.
He was a very kind man. He ALWAYS spoke to everyone he knew even out of church I know he love the Lord with all his heart. I know without a doubt he's walking the street of Gold with Jesus
Not too many pastors greet you at the door anymore, but Pastor Don Hutchings always did. He had a way of making every person who walked through Evangel Temples door feel like his best friend. I love Pastor Don and Sister Carol so much, what a beautiful couple. He will be genuinely missed.
Dear Cindy n Family, Sorry 4 ur family's loss! My husband n I saw him about 2 months ago @ Sweet Bay. It was good 2 c him. My husband went over n talked 2 him 4 a little bit then I went over n talked 2 him 4 a little while. Right before I went back 2 the table he asked me if he could pray 4 me n we did! He will b missed by all down here. Keeping u all in our prayers. My husband is Cyndi Mller's brother. Luv n Hugs, Lisa n Larry Evans.
Pastor Don Hutchings performed our wedding ceremony on 12-30-23. We love you and will miss you. Heavenly congratulations on your graduation to glory. We miss you, good and faithful servant.
