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.