Raymond Lyman Hutchings passed away at his home on Wednesday, October 21, 2020.
Raymond was the eldest son of the late Lyman Hutchings and Goldie Edna Welch Hutchings. He was born on February 14, 1937, in Bristow, OK.
Raymond graduated from Bristow High School in 1956. He attended Oklahoma A&M (Oklahoma Statue University now) briefly and then went on to do several jobs in the park service in California, oil field work in Oklahoma, a custodian at Washington Elementary before he returned to East Central University in Ada, OK. At East Central Raymond received his bachelor’s degree in elementary education and would eventually receive his master’s degree from there as well. It was at this point Raymond entered into the career he was meant to have as many will attest to. He started his teaching career at St. Louis, OK. In a small school he taught lots of subjects, coached softball and became a scoutmaster for the small community. In 1979 Raymond left St. Louis and came to Kellyville Schools to teach math and computers where he remained until he retired. He taught math and computers but more importantly he taught life by example.
Raymond was a follower of his Lord Jesus Christ in a real way. He had a heart for reaching the lost and actively supported mission work. He served in the local Bristow Advent Christian Church as a teacher, elder, and a man who used all his many skills to help maintain and improve the church. He took high school students camping and backpacking, taught outdoor skills at church camps, and always had the cheerful smile that demonstrated the light of Jesus shining out of his life. He will be sorely missed in this world.
Raymond dearly loved his family and so often took up the role of caring for them just like he was their father. Raymond is survived by his brother, Alfred Allen Hutchings and wife Deborah of Bristow, his brother, Jerry Len Hutchings and wife Clara of Bristow, and his brother in law, Sonny (C.E.) Shoalmire of Converse, LA. Raymond is also survived by a host of nephews and nieces who all loved and adored their Uncle Raymond. Often he was more like the grandfather to them than the uncle.
His wife, Birdie Mac Dykes Hutchings, his sister, Andrea Lee Shoalmire and his parents Lyman and Goldie preceded Raymond in death.
A memorial service will be held at the Bristow Advent Christian Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bristow Advent Christian Church, 1700 South Chestnut, Bristow, OK 74010 – please note “For Missions” on the memo line.
