Claud E. Hutchings

Claud E. Hutchings of Joplin, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026. He was born on Feb. 26, 1929 in Fairview, son of Lester and Bessie Hutchings. 

He graduated from Fairview High School in 1947. He was united in marriage to Mildred Oxendine on July 29, 1950 at the First Methodist Church of Fairview. He served in the U.S. Army from November of 1950 to November of 1952. 

He worked forty-three years for Eagle Picher Industries in Joplin. He was a longtime member of the First Freewill Baptist Church of Joplin, where he served as a Trustee and Deacon. After retiring from Eagle Picher, he returned to the family farm in Fairview, and resided there for sixteen years. During these years, he attended Monett Community Church.  

He is survived by his wife, Mildred; two sons, Mark Hutchings (Vicki) of Rogers, Ark and Chris Hutchings (Sue) of Havana, Kan; one sister, Lilly Dean Eaton of Joplin; six grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Max and John Hutchings.    

Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 13, at Buchanan Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. with Reverend Tim Eaton officiating. Interment will be in Dice Cemetery, Fairview. Memorial donations have been suggested to Words of Grace & Truth in care of the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett.