Thomas B. Hutch, Sr. February 10, 1953 – January 17, 2019 Research Microbiologist, College Professor, Coach, Mentor, Volunteer, Trustee, Loving Father, Husband, Uncle, Lifelong learner. Tom was born in Cedar Grove, Tennessee. He graduated Trezevant High School, as Valedictorian, and received his undergraduate degree at Morehouse College in Atlanta.
Whilst at Morehouse he met and married his wife, Debra. They were always together, and enjoyed being together, traveling, and raising their son, Thomas B. Hutch, Jr. (Tiger). After graduation he relocated to North Chicago, IL, to pursue a career in Big Pharma, working in a new Discovery division at Abbott Laboratories.
The team was responsible for the release of two new antibiotics and delivery of an effective drug for treatment of AIDS. Tom received his Masters and Doctorate degrees from Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). He was a 30-year member of the American Society of Microbiology, Sigma Psi, and the American Chemical Society.
After seeking an early retirement at Abbott, he began teaching Bio-informatics at IIT In December 2018, Tom and Debra celebrated 40 years of marriage. Tom was a loving husband and dedicated father. He found time to work a full time job, attend graduate school, and coach, Tom Jr.’s 6th and 7th grade basketball team.
He was so proud of the fact the nine boys on the 7th grade team were undefeated in two separate Catholic leagues. He and his family stayed in touch with all the players, and even now, you might see big, tall thirty-something man call out for Coach Hutch, followed by a hug and catching up on family. Tom was always encouraging them and providing pearls of wisdom.
Tom was not only born in the Volunteer State, he embraced the spirit of volunteerism. In North Chicago he was the President of the Manchester Knolls Co-Operative board for 34 years, served on the Midwest Association of Housing Cooperatives for 28 years, served on the feasibility group for the founding of a Cristo Rey High School in Waukegan, IL, and was one of the original trustees for Cristo Rey St. Martin. He continues to support the school and was able to visit the new high school building in 2017.
Being a renaissance man, Tom had many interests: he loved playing golf, chess, and traveling to South Bend for football games (go Irish). The family always traveled–even tagging along on business trips. Some memorable visits included an audience with Pope John Paul II in Rome; Lake Geneva Switzerland; and of course New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Washington DC.
Science was a huge part of his life, he mentored graduate students all over the world, and made learning difficult subjects easy. For many years his family hosted international students at their home for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. They were able to explore cultures and provide encouragement to young people when campus was closed.
Tom is a 35-year patron of the Art Institute in Chicago; some of his favorites are the Thorne Rooms, the Marc Chagall, Windows of the World, and the El Greco, The Assumption of the Virgin. Tom’s smile was electric, and every day he lived life to the fullest. He frequently quoted John Wooden: “You have not experienced a perfect day until you have done something for someone who can never repay you”.
In July 2016, Tom was diagnosed with ALS. His approach to this diagnosis was very scientific: he wanted treatment, and relocated to Atlanta in order to attend the Emory ALS Clinic. On his last day he said to the doctor, “I have already exceeded my original life expectancy and plan to be here a long time because I am receiving excellent care”.
Tom is preceded in death by his Mother Annie Mae Peoples Hutch and his Father James Alma “Chinaman” Hutch. He is survived by his wife of 40 years Debra, his son Thomas Brent Hutch, Jr. (Tiger) of Washington, DC his two sisters Mattie Jewel Hutch of Waukegan, IL and Doris Hamlet of Zion, IL, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends in Illinois. A Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM Friday January 25th in the chapel at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta.
Burial will follow at Kennesaw Memorial Park Cemetery in Marietta. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM till 11:00 AM Friday. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Thomas Brent Hutch SR please visit our Sympathy Store.
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