Lawrence John Hutsell passed away with his family by his side in Los Banos after a long illness. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona on July 3, 1934. Lawrence's father, John Hutsell, relocated the family to Gustine in the 1940's after he was hired by the Carnation Co. As a teenager, Lawrence excelled in sports and was a three sport letterman at Gustine High School where he graduated in 1952. Lawrence enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany during the US occupation. He was also a member of his unit's Sharpshooting Team. He was Honorably discharged in 1956 and returned home to Gustine. On June 9, 1957, he married his sweetheart, Dorothy Lewis at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Los Banos.
A talented mechanic, Lawrence owned and operated Larry's Richfield, later known as Larry's Arco, located at Pacheco Blvd and 4th St. for nearly 20 years. In the 1960's and 70's, he was active in the Jaycees Club, bowled on many bowling teams and coached his three kids Gary, Greg, and Julie in baseball and softball.
At the age of 51, Lawrence began a new career as a Correctional Officer at the Tehachapi Correctional Institute where he worked until his retirement at the age of 66. While living in Tehachapi, Lawrence and Dorothy took up new hobbies such as square dancing and traveling cross country in their RV. After becoming ill, Lawrence, with his wife Dorothy, returned to Los Banos.
Lawrence is survived by his wife Dorothy, his sons Gary Hutsell of Los Banos, Greg Hutsell of Oceanside, and daughter Julie Dumars of Marietta, Georgia as well as his two grandchildren, Hayden and Michelle Dumars, and his brother Gene Hutsell of Ceres. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Daisy Hutsell, brother Theodore and sister Juanita.
Services will begin with a visitation at Whitehurst Funeral Chapel on Sunday, November 3, 2013, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. At 7:00 the rosary will be recited. On Monday, November 4, 2013, there will be a funeral mass at St. Joseph's Catholic Church beginning at 9:00 a.m. A private military burial will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2013. Services are under the direction of Whitehurst Funeral Chapel~Los Banos.