William “Bill” Hutto Col USAF (Ret)

William “Bill” Hutto Col USAF (Ret)

William “Bill” Hutto passed away on Sunday, Nov. 14th, leaving behind many friends and family who loved him dearly. He leaves behind his wife, Doris, his daughters Karen Ferrington (Patrick) from Colorado and Lisa Baumbach (Rick) from San Antonio and sister, Liz Connell from Tallahassee. Grandchildren missing their grandpa include Mark Hess, Kenneth Hess (Dorothy), Kate Hess, Sam Ferrington, and Danica Ferrington. Bill also embraced two, new adult children, Jim Coyle (Tonya) and Connie Deshotel, as well as many cherished, new grand, great, and great-great grandchildren when he married Doris in 2016. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 48 years, Susan Johnson Hutto, and his parents, William and Elsie Hutto.

Bill was born in Madison, Florida on July 8th, 1940 and moved to Tallahassee as a child. He graduated from Leon High School in 1958 and went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in 1962. He then began a long and fulfilling career in the United States Air Force (USAF) during which he had two assignments in Turkey. His love for scuba diving was discovered while living in Izmir with opportunities to explore the Aegean Sea.

While serving in the USAF, Bill obtained a master’s degree from Troy State University in Alabama. This led to a second career in counseling, employee assistance administration, and consulting after he retired in 1989 as a Colonel.

Bill was active in Omaha serving in the Optimist Club of Omaha and Project Extra Mile. He attended and served as an Elder at First Presbyterian Church and Anderson Grove Church in Bellevue and was a mentor to many over the course of his life.

Bill loved life and found inspiration in woodworking, golf, and RV camping. He also developed some stellar guitar playing skills and often entertained audiences of family and friends including this excerpt:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17Upkgu1jtwSl_iSxmM8QIj7VnWLkHrBw/view from his 81st birthday in July.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Monday, November 22nd, at 10:30 am, at First Presbyterian Church, 1220 Bellevue Blvd. South. Following a luncheon at the church, a Committal Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Omaha National Cemetery.

To view a video of the Celebration of Life Service, please click the link below.

https://boxcast.tv/view/william-bill-hutto-col-usaf-ret-881741

Military Honors: United States Air Force Honor Guard

Memorial donations may be made, or will be distributed by the family, to the Optimist Club of Omaha or a hospice organization.

 

11 Comments

  • Terry Herring Posted November 16, 2021 8:52 am

    Bill,

    My closest friend of nearly 50 years. We shared a lot together — some of the fishing expeditions were legendary. In the “blue suit” days, you pulled my bacon out of the fire” more times than I care to remember…

    Most importantly, you were there for in in my darkest hours and many of my happiest. More than a true friend — a brother.

    God Speed, Bill. We’ll catch up with each other down the road.

    Terry.

    • Diane Riibe Posted November 20, 2021 9:55 pm

      While deeply saddened to learn of Bill’s passing, it is good to see your name here, Terry. You were a help to Project Extra Mile, and I will always appreciate that. And it was also abundantly clear that Bill thought the world of you.

    • Bill’s Daughter Posted November 27, 2021 2:25 pm

      Thank you Terry – It meant the world to us that you and Anita, as well as Jeremy and his wife, attended the service.

  • Jerry Havemann Posted November 16, 2021 4:41 pm

    Bill and I met over 2 sets of guitar strings. Loved to play with him. He was a quiet, respectful and gracious friend. Looking forward to playing again in the “Yard party” up yonder.

    • Bill’s Daughter Posted November 27, 2021 2:33 pm

      Thank you for your message and for being a part of one of my dad’s favorite past times – playing music. That will be a glorious “yard party” for sure!

  • Goldsmith Shirley Posted November 17, 2021 2:28 am

    You are a lovely sweet person. I will miss you, uncle Bill.

    • Bill’s Daughter Posted November 27, 2021 2:32 pm

      Thank you Shirley! His life was immensely blessed when Doris’ family came into it. Hope to meet you sometime down the road. — Karen “Jill” Ferrington

  • Joe Caudill Posted November 17, 2021 11:25 am

    Bill,
    Our Mother’s were sisters but Bill was more like an older Brother than a cousin. We lived in the small town of Tallahassee, Florida, while growing up we shared our lives, family’s and precious times together.

    After leaving home and starting family’s of our own, we continued our Brotherly Bond for over 69 years. We shared memories of our children growing up, our love of family, Christ Jesus and our love of this country. When you left us, you left a large void behind but your memory and the precious times we shared will live on.

    • KJ Posted November 27, 2021 2:30 pm

      Joe – you were loved by him and you are loved by us. Your importance in his lifetime was immeasurable.

  • Diane Riibe Posted November 20, 2021 10:02 pm

    Dear family of Bill – i am simply sad to hear of Bill’s passing, although I have no doubt that he is in the arms of his Savior. He gave so much to our work at Project Extra Mile. As the director while he served as the board president, I could count on Bill to ask the tough questions, look with me for the best way to reach our goal, and to never, ever grow weary of the important work. He was committed, joy-filled and a wonderful man of honor. He made us laugh plenty of times, and his presence in the world will surely be missed.. Thank you for sharing him with us. Sending condolences and love from North Carolina ~ Diane

    • Bill’s Daughter Posted November 27, 2021 2:29 pm

      Thank you so much, Diane. My dad spoke of his work at PEM and of you so often, and I know for certain that his role on the board meant so much to him. We highlighted it as part of his eulogy – he specifically asked that it be shared. Appreciate you and the time you spent in his life. — Karen “Jill”

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