Charles Angevine Hutchinson

Charles "Chuck" Hutchinson, III, died peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends on February 20, 2008. He was 59. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 22, 2008 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Memorial services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at Beltway Park Baptist Church. Born in Boulder, Colorado, on December 5, 1948, Chuck graduated from King High School in Corpus Christi, and received his BS degree in Geology from the University of Houston. He worked in the energy industry with Dresser Industries and The Western Company until 1985 when he moved to Abilene. He undertook a new career in the publication business with renewed passion and took the Big Country Press to new successes. In 1988, he and Karla acquired Abilene's Thrifty Nickel, a weekly paper with a circulation of more than 35,000. Together they expanded their territory, opened a paper in Austin and later Wichita Falls, and led the nationwide name change of Thrifty Nickel to American Classifieds. Chuck developed and ran the national advertising program for the entire chain for over 10 years. His vision was always far-reaching. In 2006, American Classifieds was chosen as "Business of the Year" by the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. Chuck managed his business with integrity and in a way that all of his team could prosper. His counsel was sought often and highly respected. There is nothing he loved more than spending time on his ranch and at the lake with his sons and friends. He taught a multitude of his sons' friends to water ski, wakeboard, and in the winter, to snow ski. More than anything he found joy in bringing people to know Christ. The Lord blessed him with a music ministry which he used joyfully to lead many men's Walks to Emmaus in Abilene and throughout Texas. His gift of music opened countless hearts. "The Lord inhabits the praises of His people" was a familiar phrase Chuck shared often. Chuck served on several boards, including the Chamber of Commerce, Love and Care Ministries, the Big Country Walk to Emmaus, and Abilene Crime Stoppers. He was the Praise and Worship Leader at Wylie United Methodist Church. His devotion to his family drove his battle with cancer that began almost three years ago. His choice of health care always included an eye on the way that would best sustain his quality of life with his family and give him more time with them. He was a committed husband, father, and friend to many. He is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Karla Hutchinson, his sons Chuck Hutchinson IV, of Frisco, Texas, and Brooks and Hunter Hutchinson, of Abilene; his daughter-in-law, Lisa Hutchinson; his grandsons, Grant and Garrett Hutchinson; his mother, Rosa Hutchinson of Austin; his sisters, Judi (and Gordy) of Austin and Susan (and Owen) of Corpus Christi, and his brother, John (and Paula) of Houston; Karla's parents, Wendell and Mary Tom Tooley; Chuck IV's mother, Dale Kaiser; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father, (Chuck) Hutchinson, Jr. His family is lovingly surrounded by Chuck's amazing community of friends and brothers in Christ, who will celebrate his wonderful life and will miss his powerful presence. So many people served Chuck in his time of need and came away with the blessing of sharing time with him. Memorials may be made in honor of Chuck Hutchinson to Love and Care Ministries, 233 Fannin Street, Abilene, Texas 79603.