HUTCHINSON, RODNEY E. 5/8/1919 - 10/14/2019 Rodney E. Hutchinson, age 100, died Monday, October 14, 2019, at Silver Maples of Chelsea. Born to Herbert and Edith (O'Connor) Hutchinson, in Afton, Cheboygan County, Michigan. He married Dorothy Morhous of Ypsilanti, Michigan, and they shared over 73 happy years together until her death in 2013. Rodney received a B.A. degree from Eastern Michigan University followed by a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Force in the Office of the Trial Judge Advocate and was honorably discharged at the war's end. He opened his law office in Ypsilanti in 1951, and continued his law practice until being elected Judge of the 14th District Court. In May 1969, he was appointed Washtenaw County Probate Judge by Governor William G. Milliken and served until his retirement in 1986. As probate judge, he was recognized for his leadership in improving probate court administration and for timely disposition of all cases he heard. He was active in community affairs; six years on Ypsilanti City Council and four years as Mayor; President of Ypsilanti Jaycees and President of the Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus and American Legion. In recognition of his community service, he was named the community's 1956 Outstanding Young Man of the Year and in 1964, was awarded Citizen of the Year by the Ypsilanti Area Chamber of Commerce. Rodney and Dorothy enjoyed many happy times with dear friends, in the Forty Diners, and the Too Too Travel group. In 2010, Rodney and Dorothy moved to Silver Maples of Chelsea retirement home where he continued to live after her death. They enjoyed the facilities and the wonderful staff and other residents. He is survived by his daughters: Karen (William) Lawrence and Lynn (Richard) Pattison; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife and siblings: Frank, Mary, Arnold, Doris, Josephine, John, James and Herbert. A Memorial Gathering in his memory was held Sunday, October 20, 2019, at Silver Maples of Chelsea, 100 Silver Maple Dr., Chelsea, MI from 78 p.m., with a Rosary at 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, October 21, 2019, at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ypsilanti. Burial followed in St. John Catholic Cemetery, Ypsilanti, MI. The family received friends at the Church on Monday from 9 a.m. until time of Mass.
Published: Wed, Oct 23, 2019
