John Shattuck Hutchins

88, of Centennial, Colorado passed away on July 3, 2012. John is survived by his wife Phyllis; son John V. (Lisa) Hutchins of Wappingers Falls, New York, and Holly (Bob) Harker of Longmont, Colorado; grandchildren Erica Hutchins and Christy Hutchins of Wappingers Falls, New York, and Brett Harker, Stephanie Harker and Seana Harker of Longmont, Colorado; and two brothers and one sister. John was born on January 11, 1924 in Platteville, Colorado to John W. and Emma Hutchins. He attended Powell High School in Powell, Wyoming and graduated in 1942. In November of 1942, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps and was a Radio Operator - Mechanic/Gunner on a B-17 Bomber. While on his 17th mission over enemy territory, his plane was shot down near Paris where he was captured and sent to Stalag Luft VI and IV as a prisoner of war. In February of 1945, he left camp on a 600 mile-three month Black Hunger Death March and was liberated by the English in May of 1945. Upon returning home, John attended the University of Colorado and graduated in 1951 with a B.S. in Architectural Engineering. His career of being a Registered Professional Engineer in Colorado includes CF&I - Realock Fence Division in 1952, Martin-Marietta Corp. from 1960 - 1965, and Stearns-Roger Engineering Co. until his retirement in 1990. John is also a life member of the American Ex-Prisoners of War; served as Commander, Adjutant, Treasurer for State and local organizations - AXPOW; is a member of the Americal Legion Leyden-Chiles Wickersham Post #1; served in the Albert Pike AF&AM Lodge; and an El Jebel Shriner. A Committal Service will be held for John on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 1:30pm at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 80235. A Memorial Service will follow at 3:00pm at Holly Creek Retirement Community, 5500 East Peakview Avenue, Centennial, Colorado 80122. Memorial contributions may be made in John's name to the American Ex-Prisoners of War, 3201 East Pioneer Parkway, #40, Arlington, Texas 76010 or to Holly Creek Retirement Community, 5500 East Peakview Avenue, Centennial, Colorado 80121. Please share your memories of John and condolences with his family by signing the guestbook.