Kenton Hutson was an extraordinary man. He was a natural leader with an uncanny ability to recognize people's strengths and capitalize on them through motivation and encouragement. He had a gift for operating machines – any machine – he was a virtuoso who made the most complex maneuvers appear simple. He was a talented athlete, played musical instruments and sang in a beautiful tenor voice. He disdained laziness in any form and believed each one of us had something to contribute and an obligation to do so. He was quick to anger but ready to move on after an outburst. He was compassionate and had a deep feeling for people that seldom reached the surface, but great love bubbled in his core. He had great faith and a personal relationship with God. He held strong values with clear lines between right and wrong, believing that choosing the right path was only a matter of determination; determination and courage, of which he had both. Most think of him as a self-made fellow, but many people contributed to the creation of this extraordinary man.
His parents, Brenda and Kenny Hutson, recognized him as the gift they brought into the world that icy November 8, 1960. He was active and rambunctious, a tad ornery; sleeping little, always on the move – traits he exhibited his entire life. He was strong for his size, even as a toddler. Kenny came home from work to discover 4 year old Kenton had started the pull cord lawnmower – his new chore from then on.
His grandparents doted on him, too. Grandma Undine (Daisy) and Grandpa Harry Hutson called him "Peanuts" and gifted him with his first pocket knife – as a preschooler! Grandma Pits (Great Grandma Iva Pitzer) spoiled and adored him, even after he threw her out of the pony cart circling the house at top speed. Grandma Inez and Grandpa Bob Snouwaert had dibs on the weekends, taking him home on Fridays to mess with the hogs and go to the sale barn with Bob, Saturdays running amok in Loeb's Department Store and Sundays there included good friend Tom Taylor. Bob launched Kenton's Ag career as a young boy by putting blocks on the tractor pedals and allowing him to help with the livestock, growing under his guidance into a full-fledged farmer.
It was at the sale barn that 4 year old Kenton met 6 year old Dan Shumaker, starting a friendship of over 50 years. Maybe Dan can tell you about the cat later. Kelvin and Tim were quick to join in and Duane and Nancy were an important part of his childhood, including him in family outings like a fondly remembered trip to Kings Island.
The Veedersburg grade school years saw the launch of his athletic prowess with Little League Baseball, cow pasture football and practicing with Kenny for punt, pass and kick. He excelled in sports: football, basketball, track, even pitching a no hitter in Danville Illinois at the age of 13.
Coach and Uncle Dale Hummer (along with his Aunt Sharon's support) was a huge influence on Kenton's leadership development and football success – he was an all-conference player his sophomore year whose high school football career culminated in the state all-star game as a leading tackler and kicker with many milestones along the way, such as his 17 solo tackles at the North Newton game. Grandma Inez and Grandpa Bob never missed a game. He was also a record-setting wrestler and shot putter.
After graduation, Kenton chose to pursue is his first love, farming, rather than take advantage of the college opportunities offered. He married soon after and is the proud father of a son, Levi and daughters Jennifer and Lindsey. The drought of 1988 and a hog disease ended his role as an independent farmer, in spite of previous success and being chosen as one of Indiana's Promising Young Farmers.
He quickly adapted through education to become a machinist in Lafayette and it was at that time that he met his wife and partner, Davida. Searching for a home to begin their married life brought another influence to guide Kenton. Dr. John Pittman and he formed an instant bond which continued over the next 25 years. With John's support Kenton launched a successful purebred livestock business in Carmel, Indiana, and bred the 1994 Denver Calf Champion. As urban opportunities presented themselves, he and John phased out of the animal industry and Kenton once again altered course by creating their hugely successful landscape business, Big John's Tree Transplanting. Throughout these productive years his friend and employee Dan Darwactor was at his side.
Kenton applied that same drive to recreational pursuits. He developed a penchant for boating and enjoyed a home on Lake Cumberland with devoted friends Cotton and Veola Pennington. He was able to explore the country, traveling in his RV and experiencing new sights; Emerald Isle was a favorite destination. He especially enjoyed annual trips to the Orange Bowl and the recent Rose Bowl.
Always looking forward, Kenton lent his skills to other opportunities, some new, some familiar, until fate intervened once again bringing him to the Fogg Family Farm, 4-Way Production. As crop manager for the operation he relied on his natural leadership skills to develop a team and implement his vision for success. He was thankful for the pleasure this association brought him.
Kenton faced his short battle with cancer true to form. He met the challenge head-on with great courage. The support from his Aunts Lena, Margaret and Carson and his Uncle Jim were especially meaningful during this difficult time. In one of the last conversations with his mother Kenton said, "Mom, I had a good life and if God wants me, I'm ready to go."
Yes, Kenton Hutson was an extraordinary man.
Kenton's family expresses their heartfelt gratitude for all the prayers and concern shown us. Visitation: 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 12, 2017 and one hour prior to his funeral service, Saturday, May 13, 2017 at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate, with Chaplain Rob Mifflin officiating, Burial will follow in Waynetown Masonic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions to, Community Health Network Foundation, with envelopes being available at the funeral home.