Joe Hutchinson passed away Monday, September 17, 2018.

He was born April 22, 1945 in Knoxville, Tennessee to the late Bertalene Roberts Hutchinson and Joseph Hutchinson and had lived in Joplin since 1985.

After spending his early years in rural farming communities in Missouri, Joe's family moved to Independence, Missouri, where he graduated in the class of '63 at William Chrisman High School.  Joe was an avid baseball and football player, playing legion ball and then continued in high school and college at the University of Missouri.  Following high school, Joe served in the Marine Air Wing and finished college at the University of Central Missouri, obtaining a degree in Accounting.  He continued to enjoy baseball and softball for many years, playing on multiple city and hospital teams.

Joe started his hospital financial career shortly after graduation, working at Truman and other Kansas City Hospitals.  In 1985, he moved to Joplin to serve as Chief Financial Officer for Oak Hill Hospital, eventually joining Freeman Health Systems in 1995 when the two hospitals merged.  He was a member of the Joplin Kiwanis Club and was active with several community boards, including JEMS (METS), Lafayette House and the Joplin Humane Society.  Most recently, Joe worked as an independent insurance broker, specializing in senior products. 

Joe married Kathy Heerman Erickson in 1990.  They spent many summers together enjoying Grand  and Tablerock Lakes with Kathy's two boys and many friends.  They also spent time riding and camping with their friends, the Foxtrotters and Weimaraners.

Joe is survived by his wife, Kathy; his stepsons, David and Aaron Erickson; three grandsons, Sean, Cord, Michael and many friends and Clients.

A memorial visitation is planned for Friday from 4-6:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Freeman Heart Institute or to the Joplin Humane Society, both in care of Parker Mortuary.