Merrill Hutchinson Sr., 91 years old, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Merrill grew up on Kipling Avenue in Mt. Airy where he learned the importance of faith and family from his parents. He led by example and instilled those values in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Merrill was extremely patriotic and proudly joined the United States Army when he was 22 years old, working as a mechanic. After his time in the Army, Merrill owned a successful auto mechanic business in Cincinnati for 30 years.
Merrill loved to spend time outdoors and his creativity was evidenced through his handmade projects. His talent for woodworking was impressive, and he made items such as gazebos, windmills, sailboats, and cedar chests for each of his grandchildren. Making crucifixes combined his passion of woodworking and faith and he generously shared these with friends and family throughout Dearborn County.
A loyal friend and family man, Merrill never missed the monthly card club with his parents and siblings in 40 years. Christmas was always a special time in the Hutchinson house and each year, he and the kids would cut down a tree for the holiday. Lasting memories were made on annual vacations when Merrill took time from work and just enjoyed being a dad. A devout Catholic and member of All Saints Parish, Merrill found solace and community in his faith. He was a member of the St. Joseph maintenance committee and enjoyed finding projects around the church to work on.
Merrill will be deeply missed by his loving companion Mollie McBroon; children Jan (Andy) Jackson, Merrill (Linda) Hutchinson Jr., Julie (Mark) Moore, Ted (Veronica) Hutchinson, Ed (Ann) Hutchinson; grandchildren Lindsey (Hawley Todd) Jackson, Kristin (Shawn Wheeler) Jackson, Nick (Lane) Hutchinson, Zach (Katie) Hutchinson, Cameron (Dakota) Hutchinson, Mackenzie (Caden) Wheat, Nick Hutchinson, Luke (Sami) Moore, Maria (Kyosuke) Tsunoda, Nicole (Joe) Davies, Cera (Michael) Mieczykowski, Sam (Amanda) Hutchinson; 22 great grandchildren; siblings Helen Cullen, sister-in-law Mary Helen Hutchinson. He is preceded in death by his wife Ruth Hutchinson, parents Helen and Merrill Hutchinson; and siblings Jack (Marilyn) Hutchinson, Pat (Millie) Hutchison, Ted Hutchinson, Bill Hutchinson, Fay (Bob) Otto, Jean (Vince) Martini, and brother-in-law Dick Cullen.
Services honoring Merrill will be held on Monday, April 20 at St. Joseph Catholic Church of All Saints Parish. Visitation will begin at 9:00am and will continue until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Burial with military honors will immediately follow in the church cemetery. For those unable to attend, Mass will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/aspweeklyhomily. Memorials in Merrill’s honor can be made to Margaret Mary Hospice, Loving Hearts Hospice, or the American Cancer Society. Memorials will be accepted at the visitation, can be made on the funeral home website, or can be mailed to the funeral home. Family and friends are encouraged to leave condolences at www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com.