LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Merl G. Hutto, retired
Colonel, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in this Nation, and the great
State of New York, is reflective of the purposeful lives and good works
of those patriotic and civic-minded community members who dedicate their
lives and careers to the service of others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to publicly mourn the death of
those prominent citizens whose lifework and purposeful endeavors have
served to enrich and enhance the quality and character of life for
others in their community and the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Merl G. Hutto, a resident of Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York,
died on Monday, March 30, 2015, at the age of 91; and
WHEREAS, Merl G. Hutto was born on August 18, 1923, in Windfall, Indi-
ana, to the late Ray and Iva Hutto; and
WHEREAS, After attending Indiana University for several years, Merl G.
Hutto earned his bachelor's degree from the United States Military Acad-
emy at West Point, New York, in 1946; he then went on to obtain his
Master's degree of Science in Business Administration from George Wash-
ington University, Washington, D.C., in 1967; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Merl G. Hutto completed courses of instruction
at the Air Tactical School in 1947, Command and Staff College in 1962,
and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 1967; and
WHEREAS, Merl G. Hutto proudly served his country as a Pilot in both
the United States Army and United States Air Force; he served at many
military bases in the United States, including Kirkland Air Force Base,
New Mexico; Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio; and the
Pentagon, Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, Merl G. Hutto's overseas duties included assignments with the
Air Attache to the United States Embassy in Santiago, Chile; Royal Air
Force Base Wethersfield, United Kingdom; and Royal Air Force Base Upper
Heyford, United Kingdom; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious military career, Colonel Merl G.
Hutto was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including the
Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf cluster), the Meritorious Service Medal,
the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Joint Services Commendation Medal
and the Pilot of War Wings medal, awarded by the Chilean government; and
WHEREAS, In 1976, Colonel Merl G. Hutto retired from the military
after more than three decades of active duty; he then held the position
of Director of Engineering at Mastercraft, Industries, Inc., in
Newburgh, New York, until he officially retired at the age of 83 in
2006; and
WHEREAS, Merl G. Hutto's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, Milada, Merl G. Hutto was prede-
ceased by a son, Troy L.; he is survived by one son, Todd (Vaness); one
daughter, Tiffin L. (Louis); and seven grandchildren, Andrew, Morgan,
Christopher, Robert, Adam, Aubrie, and Darcie; as well as four great-
grandchildren, Ella, Keeton, Rylan Troy, and Lilliana; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Merl G. Hutto leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Merl G. Hutto, retired Colonel, distinguished citizen
and devoted member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Merl G. Hutto.