Lester M. Hutchings, 79, of 11330 Bobwhite Lane, Saint Marys, Ohio, and formerly of Springfield, Ohio, died 2:00 P.M. Saturday, April 10, 2010, at his residence.

He was born November 7, 1930, in Fairview, Missouri, the son of Lester and Bessie (Sharp) Hutchings.

He married Ruby McGhee on February 10, 1957 and she preceded him in death on July 29, 2005.

He is survived by his two children: Charles (Diane) Hutchings of Springfield, Ohio; Carolyn McRobie of Naples, Florida; by one granddaughter, Jennifer Blauvelt of Springfield; by four great-grandchildren: Michael, Dawson, Landon and Reese Blauvelt, all of Springfield; by two brothers: John Hutchings of Joplin, Missouri; Claude Hutchings of Fairview, Missouri; by one sister, Lillie Dean Eaton of Joplin, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Lester was a 1949 graduate of the Fairview High School in Fairview, Missouri and he was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Korean Conflict. He retired from Mercy Medical Center in Springfield, where he had served as Head Chef.

He was a member of the American Legion and enjoyed traveling and gardening. He and his wife, Ruby, were very thoughtful, helpful people. He will be remembered for his friendly personality and willingness to help with any project.

Funeral rites will be held 10:30 A.M. Thursday, April 15, 2010, in the Meyer Community Chapel on the campus of Otterbein Saint Marys Retirement Community, the Reverend Carol Sainey, officiant. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery in Saint Marys.

Friends may call from 3-6 P.M. Wednesday at the Miller Funeral Home,1605 Celina Road, Saint Marys, where memorial donations may be directed to Otterbein Saint Marys Retirement Community.