Stephen L. Hutchens

Stephen L. Hutchens, 86, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025, in Salem, Oregon. Born on August 30, 1938, in Murray, Utah, Stephen lived a life filled with service, love, and cherished memories.

Stephen's early years were uniquely adventurous-he spent the first ten years of his life living in a rail car, traveling up and down the West Coast as his father, Joseph, worked to help build the railroad. These formative experiences instilled in him a deep appreciation for hard work and resilience.

After graduating from San Lorenzo High School in San Lorenzo, California, Stephen joined the U.S. Army in 1958. Following his active service, he began a distinguished career with the Army National Guard in 1961, working at the Nike Missile Base in Castro Valley, California. In 1974, he transferred to the National Guard Air Base in Salem, Oregon, where he continued to serve with dedication until his retirement in 1994.

Stephen married Sharon, the love of his life, in 1981. He is survived by Sharon and her son, Mark Palmer. From his first marriage to Linda, Stephen is also survived by his sons, David (Corinna) and Brian (Teresa). Stephen was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren and a great-grandfather to nine great-grandchildren.

Stephen had a passion for travel, gardening, spending time with his grandchildren, and enjoying his favorite treat-ice cream. His sense of adventure, green thumb, love for his family, and delight in simple pleasures brought joy to his life and those around him.

Stephen was preceded in death by his brother, Joey, in 1949; his mother, Dorothy, in 1986; and his father, Joseph, in 1987.

Stephen's ashes will be interred at Willamette National Cemetery at 9:00 AM on Friday, January 17, 2025. An open house celebration of his life will follow on January 18, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM at Chemeketa Eola Hills, located at 215 Doaks Ferry Rd NW, Salem, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the following organizations in Stephen's memory:

Alzheimer's Association of Oregon

5285 Meadows Road, Suite 451

Lake Oswego, OR 97035

Wounded Warrior Project

PO Box 758516

Topeka, KS 66675-8516

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and will be remembered for his kindness, dedication, and love for his family and friends.