Wayne Jefferson Hutcheson, 98, of Sedalia, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg.
He was born on August 24, 1927, in Fairfax, OK, a son of Widdy William and Ollie Leona (Kesner) Hutcheson.
Wayne lived a life marked by service, dedication, and quiet contentment. He proudly served his country in the United States Army at the end of World War II and continued his military service for two years during the Korean Conflict, a commitment that reflected his deep sense of duty and patriotism.
On May 13, 1951, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, Wayne was united in marriage to Vera Lee Cowley. She preceded him in death on November 6, 2009. Their marriage was one built on love, devotion, and shared life experiences.
In his younger years, Wayne worked in the oil fields of Oklahoma for approximately five years with Halliburton. He later devoted 27 years of service as a heavy equipment mechanic for Caterpillar in Sedalia, and then he was self-employed until age 86. His strong work ethic and mechanical skill were well known and respected.
Wayne was a member of Camp Branch Baptist Church, the Green Ridge American Legion, and was a life member of Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Outside of work, he found joy in the simple pleasures of life-spending time fishing, working on woodworking projects, and enjoying a good nap.
Survivors include one son, Don Hutcheson and his wife Sharon of Sedalia; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and one daughter-in-law, Ruth Earlene Hutcheson.
In addition to his parents and his wife Wayne was preceded in death by one son, Billy D. Hutcheson, and one brother, Roy Hutcheson.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Heckart Funeral Home in Sedalia. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, at the funeral home with burial to follow at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville with full military honors by the VFW Post 2591 and the United States Army at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
