Thomas Joseph Hutkins

Thomas Joseph “Tommy” Hutkins, 72, of Elkhart, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2024 at Elkhart General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Tommy was born on November 20, 1951 in Elkhart, to the late Bertram and Mary Rose (Collins) Hutkins. In addition to his parents, brother William C. “Bill” Hutkins and sister Margaret R. Rose preceded him in death.

Surviving is his loving daughter Theresa J. (Gonzalo Mendez) Hutkins, three awesome grandchildren, who were his world, Bella Yoder and twins Alyssa and Olivia Hutkins; brother Edward P. (Kay) Hutkins, Mary T. (Maureen Bowersox) Pierson and longtime companion Sylvia Van De Sompele as well as several nieces and nephews.

Tommy had formerly worked at Teledyne and also as a cab driver with Ace Cab Co. and retired from St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church and the school where he worked in maintenance and taking care of things around the church. Tommy proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from 1970 until his honorable discharge in 1972. Tommy loved to garden and was a huge Notre Dame fan and also volunteered during games at Notre Dame as well. He was a 3rd and 4th Degree life member of the Elkhart Knights of Columbus. Tommy’s family and grandkids were the center of his life.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at Billings Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. with 1 hour of visitation prior at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church. Rev. Craig Borchard will officiate. Burial will follow at Prairie Street Cemetery Veterans Section, with military honors by the U.S. Navy Funeral Honor Guard, (EVHG) Elkhart Veterans Honor Guard and Indiana Patriot Guard. Memorials are kindly requested to the Knights of Columbus. Condolences may be made online to the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com

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