Vern Carl Hutchens (known as Carl by his family and Hutch by everyone else), 84, of Ammon, passed away Wednesday, September 14, 2016, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. He was born July 30, 1932, in Hazelton, Idaho to Jesse Orvill Hutchens and Viola Matilda Harder Hutchens, the fifth of seven children.

He spent his childhood and adolescence in the Jerome County area; attended schools in Jerome; graduated from Jerome High School where he participated in sports, choir and basic, run-of-the-mill, everyday teenage hijinks and innocent rabble rousing.

Many are the times he captivated his children and grandchildren with stories of practical jokes played on classmates and teachers. His sense of humor and stoic, straightforward witticisms are the stuff of legend in the annals of Hutchens' family lore.

While in high school, he met and dated the vivaciously energetic and attractive, green-eyed, redheaded Kansan, Dorothy Marie O'Toole, who became his sweetheart and the love of his life. On June 28, 1953, they married and together, they had three children: Greg, Kurt and Susan.

Enlisting in the US Army before his marriage, he opted for the Armored Cavalry and attended the United States Army's Armor School at Fort Knox, KY. Upon honorable discharge from the Army he served in the Idaho National Guard's 116th Engineer Battalion for many years.

Carl was a volunteer firefighter for the Jerome Fire Department; was a licensed plumber and heating expert; and was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman.

Joining the Idaho Falls Fire Department as an Engine Driver on September 13, 1965, he retired as a Captain in August, 1987.  While with the IFFD, he served as president of Local 1565; as an instructor for the Idaho Fire Service and State Fire School, and was the catalyst and driving force behind the advancement and adoption of new methodologies and techniques in fire-fighting science, testifying before the State Legislature on many occasions.

An excellent marksman, he competed in the National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio, claiming numerous National Championships. He also accumulated so many state and national championships in Metal Silhouette Shooting, that he quit displaying the trophies and simply began placing them in boxes in his closet.

He travelled to Africa on safari twice, most recently in September, 2012. In Zimbabwe, he bagged his Cape Buffalo with a single shot.

Carl enjoyed collecting firearms, reading history and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three siblings and his youngest son, Kurt.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy; children, Greg (Lynne) Hutchens of Klamath Falls, OR and Susan (Brent) Steel of Idaho Falls; eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 21 at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls, with the funeral service immediately following from 11 a.m. to noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to your local Firefighters Association and/or Veteran's group.