Robert A. Hutchens

Robert A. Hutchens, age 96, of Benton, Illinois, passed away at 3:06 a.m. Monday, February 17, 2020 at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon.

Graveside services, with Military Honors by the Benton American Legion Post #280, V.F.W. Post #2671, and the Illinois National Guard, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 20, 2020 at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton with Rev. Dean Severin officiating. The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, is in charge of the arrangements.

Mr. Hutchens was born on November 1, 1923 in De Valls Bluff, Arkansas, the son of Herman Hutchens and Alice (Moss) Hutchens.  He would first marry the former Mary Scrutchfield on April 5, 1942, and she preceded him in death on July 28, 2005. He would later marry the former Elizabeth Johnson in September of 2012, and she survives.

Bob was a retired coal miner, having worked at Old Ben #24.  He also was a farmer and raised cattle. His family said he was known to all as a hard worker.

Bob was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II where he specialized as a fire fighter. While in the service he also became a boxer.

He enjoyed quail and rabbit hunting, dancing, and adored his grandchildren.  

Surviving is his wife Elizabeth Hutchens of Benton; his brother Kenneth Hutchens and wife Betty of Benton; three grandchildren: Lori A. Baum of Murphysboro, IL, Robert Scott Slayton and wife Pam of Beckemeyer, IL, Mary E. Johnson and husband Adrian of Belleville, IL;  six great-grandchildren: Joshua Baum, Heather Baum, Kaitlyn O’Quinn and husband John, Cole Johnson and wife Veronica, Jack Johnson and Emma Johnson; five great-great-grandchildren: MyKayla Baum, Macie Baum, Tenley Baum, Michelena and Aubreen O’Quinn; a sister-in-law Dora Hutchins of Benton; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife; a daughter Sherry Slayton; a sister Ethel Gunter; two brothers: Gene Hutchins and Raymond Hutchens.

Memorial contributions may be made to Fires of Revival Chapel of Benton and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences to the family, or share memories of Robert, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

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