Eugene Dow Hutchinson
September 04, 1929 - May 22, 2020
- Share:
Eugene Dow Hutchinson
September 04, 1929 - May 22, 2020
Obituary
Eugene Dow Hutchinson passed away peacefully in his sleep, May 23, 2020. Born on September 4, 1929 in Jewel County, Kansas, Gene enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He joined the U.S. Air Force band after serving in Korea, where he rose to the rank of Senior Master Sargent, heading the famous band’s percussion section. Gene also played with the elite Jazz quartet “The Top Hats” and accompanied “The Singing Sergeants.”
Gene toured the world performing on drums for dignitaries, Royalty, troops and full concert stadiums. He played and recorded with Jazz and Rock legends from Sinatra to Dorsey to The Beatles to The Muppets, and performed with actors Jerry Lewis and Shirley Temple.
Gene married Rosemarie Anne Pipino on January 24, 1960. They had 4 children who fondly recall their Dad’s humor, wit, integrity and his love of art, music, travel, literature and dogs. Mark Twain was his favorite philosopher.
After serving his Country for 22 years, Gene joined the Norman Lee Band and Skip Parsons Riverboat Jazz Band. He was also a professor of Musicology at Brigham Young University, Hutchinson Community College, and taught private drum lessons.
Among his proudest moments —Gene once sparred on drums against Buddy Rich and Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show.
Gene is preceded in death by his former spouse, Rosemarie, his daughter, Gina, and his second wife, Jackie.
He is survived by his daughter, Heidi, sons Eric and Mark, his daughter-in-law, Karen, by his grandchildren, Justine, Bryan, Dylan, Hayden and Mia, and by his great grandchildren, Charlie and Jackson.
3 responses to Eugene Dow Hutchinson
John Philips says:
January 27, 2021
Sorry to hear about Gene. When I first went into the Air Force Band, Gene helped me know who the good guys were…and he got me into playing gigs. He had a great sense of humor and was a kind person…and a helluva
Drummer. Last time I saw him he was with the Norman Lee/Eddie Howard on a date near here, I also worked that band but at other times. He made lots of people feel good with his wonderful attitude.
Brandon T Brewer says:
July 21, 2021
I met Gene when both he and my father taught at HCC in Hutchinson KS. I had a full ride jazz scholarship and he helped me learn more about jazz than anyone ever did. He will be missed
Tom Mulé says:
January 30, 2025
Mr. Hutchinson was my drum teacher at Drome Sound in Schenectady, NY. He was such a great guy and teacher and his inspiration still is part of me today as I continue to play the drums.
I love him and miss him.