Paul Hutsey

1928 - 2025

Paul Hutsey

January 12, 1928 - July 25, 2025

Pittsburg, Kansas - Paul Hutsey was born on 12 January 1928, the only son of Paul Hutsey and Margaret (Kelly) Hutsey in Frontenac, Kansas. Paul was born with a rare disability that had a profound effect on him his entire life. He lacked all ability to entertain a negative thought. This unusual limitation would become the hallmark of his beautiful life. He proudly attended Sacred Heart Catholic School, Frontenac High School, and Pittsburg State University, graduating with a degree in mathematics.

Paul venerably played countless roles in his 97 years. Faithful Servant, early-riser, Raider King, Gorilla Football Captain, mathematician, teacher, coach, salesman, manager, business owner, mentor, listener, writer, motivational speaker, Master of Ceremonies, Grand Marshall, Hall of Famer, friend to all, stranger to none, bourbon lover, practical joker, party-planner extraordinaire, brick-whisperer, needler, Conceiver, Believer, Achiever. But the greatest role of Paul's life, the one for which he was born, was starring in The Great American Romance.

Paul set his sights on this at a precocious age of four when he proposed marriage to his neighbor, Tip Friskel. On account of being the neighborhood bully (he was), she turned him down. Even at age four though, Paul knew the power of conceiving goals and believing in those goals. He continued to pursue Tips's heart through four marriage proposals over the next 16 years. At long last, on 8 June 1948 Paul and Tip (Mary Winifred Friskel) were married and The Great American Romance, as Paul always referred to it, was officially made Sacred. It flourished every day for the next 73 years. In that time, they had five children: Dr. PJ Hutsey, Marie Erickson (Steve), Amy Tonyan (Joe), Jane Hutsey and Meg Palko. In addition, were 19 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Paul was a man of many meaningful mantras, chief among them were "The Best is Yet to Come" and "Hutseys: First, Last, and Always." These were each fully actualized on 25 July 2025, as he passed away from this life for Eternity, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

He will be remembered for his vitality; his service to family, friends, and strangers alike; for being the mastermind of labor camps and parties in equal and unopposed measure; for conceiving and believing in goals thought impossible by others, and for achieving those same goals. Above all, Paul Hutsey will be remembered for always leaving others better than he found them.

He is preceded by the love of his life - his "Dollie", Tip; sisters Bernadine, Ellen Marie, Margaret, Frances, and Regina; three grandchildren, Joey and Jed Tonyan, and Tony Erickson; and great-grandson Grayson Hutsey-Harwell; all of whom he adored. He is also survived by two brothers-in-law Bob and David Friskel.

On Friday, 1 August there will be a Visitation at 6pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Immediately following, Fr. Robert McElwee will lead a Memorial Rosary at 7pm. A Requiem Mass will be recited on Saturday, 2 August at 11 am at the church.

Our family is deeply grateful for the care provided to our dad by Becca Shackelford, Sue Gilmore, Erica Carter from Gentiva Hospice, and to our Head Caregiver and Nurse Linda Stotler, who has taken care of our mom and dad for the past eight years.

The family suggests memorials be given to Sacred Heart Catholic Church. These may be left at the church or mailed to Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762.

Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg.