George Robert Hutchinson

TRAVERSE CITY — George Robert Hutchinson, 89, of Traverse City and formerly of Charlevoix, passed away Monday, Dec. 22, 2008, at the Grand Traverse Pavilions in Traverse City.

George was born Oct. 28, 1919, in Big Rapids, to the late William and Laura (Ballou) Hutchinson. George was a graduate from Big Rapids High School Class of 1938.

In 1937, George enlisted in the Michigan National Guard. He served faithfully with the Guard and, in 1940, was called to active duty serving as a Corporal with Company E, 126th Infantry. George fought for his country during the entire duration of WWII, being deployed throughout the Pacific and Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippine Islands. George was eventually injured at the battle of Louzon, and was awarded a Purple Heart.

George returned home and married the love of his life, the former Reta Rosaline Pearce, on Nov. 23, 1945.

In 1950, George graduated from Central Michigan University with a B.A. in Social Work. He later earned his M.S.W. in Social Work Administration at the University of Michigan, graduating in 1968.

George was employed by the State of Michigan from 1950-84. He was a social worker at Alma College, a Camp Director in Alpena, and the Director of Department of Social Services in Charlevoix from 1953-67. George and Reta lived in Charlevoix; they moved to Traverse City in 1978.

In his free time, George loved gardening, bird watching, canoeing and camping with his family. He was a 50-year member of the Charlevoix #282 Masonic Lodge, Past High Priest of Royal Arch Masons #104, where he was a life member; The Eastern Star #72 of Charlevoix; The Red Arrow Veteran's Association; and Past President of The Walter Hastings Audubon Club.

George will be remembered for his devout service to his fellow man and the love he provided to a caring family.

George is survived by his wife of 63 years, Reta R. Hutchinson; son, Larry J. Hutchinson of Greenville, S.C.; daughter, Laura (Randy) Enos of Cadillac; five grandchildren, Jed, John, Katie, Angela and Tanya; four great-grandchildren; and many other loving family members and friends.

Funeral services for George will be held at 11 a.m. today, Dec. 24, with visitation one hour prior at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to The Salvation Army.

Please share memories at George's online guest book at www.legacy.com/record-eagle/

The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street in Traverse City; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.