Hutsell, Michael E. January 1, 1947 - October 3, 2024

Michael Earl (Mike) Hutsell of El Dorado Springs, Missouri, passed away at his home on October 3 rd , 2024. Mike had delt with coronary issues for many years.

Mike spent his childhood in El Dorado Springs and attended Eldorado Springs R II school through the 11 th grade. In 1964, he joined the United States Army as a Combat Engineer and served on active duty in Washington, Alaska and Germany. When his tour was up, he returned to El Dorado Springs and later joined the Missouri Army National Guard, serving his country and neighbors in Missouri, Panama, Honduras, and Germany, until his retirement in 1996. Mike had many fun and exciting adventures while in service and he was very patriotic. He had great respect for the service that his family and friends gave this nation.

Using the skills he learned in the Army and from his father, Mike started a carpentry, concrete and flatwork business, which he operated for over 45 years. His work can be seen all over town in rock walls, driveways, sidewalks and all throughout the City Par in El Dorado. Mike believed that a person should have a skill in order to make a living and he was always willing to give folks a chance to learn from him. He taught his sons and others how to pour and finish concrete along with carpentry, plumbing and electrical skills. He also taught them how to work with the public and to do a good job. Many have used what he taught them to work in other fields and some went on to own their own businesses. He shared his knowledge in hopes of helping others. He knew how to make things work and if he didn’t, he would figure it out with just a little time.

When Mike was younger, he raised and hunted with beagles. Sometimes he would take more dogs than were needed for the hunt just so he could hear them all bark together. He loved to hear a hound on the chase. After that, any of his other dogs he acquired always took to him quickly and they became his instant sidekick. You’d think he walked around with bacon in his pocket the way they all loved and followed him. But it waslikely that they too were just drawn to him for who he was, just like the rest of us. His dog Smokey has been his loyal companion for the last few years and has given Mike a great deal of comfort and loved to help him with the chickens and ride on the 4-Wheeler. Mike loved to fish and  run trotlines and a good mess of crappie was never passed up when it was offered. He had passion for many things and found joy in simple things like gardening, tinkering with motors and raising chickens.

Mike loved a good trade and was always up to make a deal. He never missed the opportunity to hit a garage sale and usually found a bargain that he or someone he loved could use. He made good use of many things that some would have tossed aside, always saying “I can use that somewhere”. He always had a lot of projects going and kept a running list of ones for the future. Mike was a jack of all trades and could be very creative when it came to making things work. He was an avid collector and enjoyed adding to his collection regularly. It is likely that if you needed something, Mike had one (or two).

Mike could seem to some to have a rough exterior but to all that knew him, he had a heart of gold. He would help anyone who needed it, in any way he could. He opened his home and his heart to many that had nowhere else to turn. He was kind and generous. If you saw Mike driving down the street, he’d wave or holler at you out his window and when you saw him in the store or out in town, he’d chat with you and ask how things were going and what you’d been up to. He didn’t judge folks and figure that everyone deserved a second and sometimes a third chance. He loved his family and friends and was always happy to sit in the shade to visit where he would share one of the million stories he had, often using sayings that you had never heard before but would certainly never forget. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was as ornery as they come. They broke the mold after Mike and for that and so many more reasons he will be missed deeply by his family, friends and his community. One of his friends said it best- “if you didn’t get the chance to know Mike, you missed out on a real jewel. He was very special”. Mike made our world better and he was loved a lot. Mike is the son of Ralph Earl (Joe) and Linda E. Hutsell (Herford) and was born in El Dorado Springs, Missouri on January 1 st , 1947.

Mike is preceded in death by both his parents, his son Joseph Ira (Joe) Hutsell, his stepsons Chris and PJ Killion, and several cousins and loved ones.

Mike is survived by his sister Linda Lane Moore (Hutsell) of Harwood, children Kent A. (Dink) Hutsell of Springfield, MO, Angela K. (Angie) Hutsell and wife Carey of Springfield, MO, Andy Wendt and Tara of El Dorado Springs, MO, Steve Sprinkle and wife Teresa, Brad Sprinkle of Springfield, MO, Sheryl Reed and Danny of Springfield, MO, his grandchildren Austin, Tailor, Kaden, Kylie, Kenley, and Kyle, his niece Kelly King (Moore) and husband Jeremy, and their son Chance Mays, his cousins Marilyn Gannaway (Hutsell), Gary Hutsell and wife Vickie, Connie Kimbrell and husband Abe, his dog Smokey, and many others that considered him family and a friend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Green Mound Cemetery Association to ensure that a serviceable American Flag can be flown at all times.