Ralph Edward Hutchinson, 94 of Minford, Ohio passed away Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at home. Born March 29, 1929, in Portsmouth, Ohio, a son of the late Lewis F. Hutchinson and Sarah Elenora Crawford Hutchinson. He was retired after 36 years of employment from the Ohio Power Company nka AEP Ohio.
Ralph was a 1948 graduate of Minford High School receiving his diploma as part of Operation Recognition, a program that honors Veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam as a gesture of our country’s lasting respect and appreciation for their service and commitment to our nation. He was a member of the James Erwin Post 622 American Legion and the VFW. He was a member of Rubyville, Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Department, and Minford Volunteer Fire Department where he served as chief for a number of years. He served 24 years as a member of the Minford Local School Board. Ralph umpired baseball and softball for 44 years and he was the scorekeeper for the Minford High School basketball teams for 62 years. He received numerous awards recognizing him for his commitment and service to the Minford community and schools. He received a Meritorious Award from the Ohio High School Athletic Association in recognition of outstanding service to high school athletics. He was the first recipient of the Friend of Youth Award presented by the Southeast Ohio Athletic Board in recognition of his dedication to the youth of the Minford community. Ralph was instrumental in starting the Minford Little League and coached both Little League and Senior League teams over a period of 17 years. He also coached PeeWee basketball at Minford for several years as well as the Minford Jr. High basketball team for two years.
He is survived by four daughters, Pamela Hutchinson, Karen Warren, Patricia (Dave) Smith, Norma Shoemaker; one son, Thomas Hutchinson; ten grandchildren, Kimberlea Warren, David (Laura) Smith, Sara Smith, Jessica Smith, Kyle Warren, Aaron (Jennifer) Kelly, Emma Shoemaker, Andy Hutchinson, Eli Shoemaker, and Dakota Hutchinson; nine great grandchildren, Cameron Smith, Cooper Smith, Carson Smith, Collier Smith, Caedmon Smith, Logan Kelly, Isaiah Kelly, Preston Smith, and Emily Conn, and two sisters, Peggy Maddox and Linda Green. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Lucille Frances Smith Hutchinson; one daughter, Angela Kelly; one great grandson, Elisha Davis Smith, and five brothers, Charles Hutchinson, Norman Hutchinson, Billy Jo Hutchinson, Richard Hutchinson, and Jimmy Hutchinson.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at Erwin-Dodson-Allen Funeral Home in Minford with Evangelist David Frazie and Pastor Brett McGraw officiating. Burial will be held at Old Bennett Cemetery in Minford. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Military graveside rites will be conducted by James Irwin Post No. 622 American Legion and William A. Baker Post No. 363. Online condolences may be sent to www.edafh.com.