Dr. Joel Robert Hutchins passed away peacefully on March 3, 2025, at 75, at The Pines in Holton. He left behind his wife, Becky, and their two kids.
Joel reportedly fought a courageous battle against Stage IV Glioblastoma Multiforme.
He left behind his beloved wife of 53 years, Becky Lederer Hutchins, and their two daughters, Jennifer Hutchin Sherber and Emily Hutchins Esparza.
Joel Hutchins met his future wife, Becky Lederer, during high school, and with time, their bond grew into a relationship.
The couple shared their first kiss as homecoming king and queen in 1966, marking the start of their long-term married life.
Joel and Becky married on May 29, 1971, and spent the early years of their marriage living in Taiwan and the Philippines. Later, they moved to Holton, Kansas.
Their daughter, Jennifer Hutchins, is married to Ben Sherber, and they have two sons.
Their daughter Emily Hutchins Esparza is married to Tony Esparza, and they are parents of two kids.
In addition to his wife and daughters, Joel is survived by his sister, Linda Bohnenkemper, and grandchildren Asa, Heath, Evan, and Soren.
The Hutchins family expresses gratitude to the physicians at St. Luke’s Hospital and Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, and the staff at Holton Community Hospital for their care.
Joel was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Wanda Potter, and his brother Jerry Hutchins.
Joel R. Hutchins Had a Successful Diverse Career of 35 Years Spanning Physician, Veteran, and Community Leader!
Fromer athlete Joel R. Hutchins was born on July 7, 1949, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to parents Robert Harold Hutchins and Aletha Florence Barrow Hutchins.
His early years were spent in Germany and Seattle, Washington, due to his father’s military service.
In 1966, the family returned to Denison, Kansas, where Joel completed his high school education.
Joel, a natural athlete, played football and baseball at Washburn University. His patriotism was evident during college when he participated in the R.O.T.C.
After graduation, he underwent pilot training and served in the US Air Force from 1971 to 1976, including service in the Vietnam Conflict.
After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Joel pursued a career in medicine, graduating from KU Medical School in 1987.
He and his family moved to Holton, Kansas, where he established Westside Family Practice. Joel served as a family practice physician for 35 years.
He also served as district coroner and on the Kansas Board of Healing Arts from 2013 to 2019.
His career as hospice director continued until he became unable to work due to his own illness.
Joel was an active member of the Evangel Methodist Church, serving as an adult Sunday school teacher, and was involved in the Holton Optimist Club.
