Robert Patrick Hutton

Robert Patrick Hutton, born on November 30, 1938, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025, at the age of 86, due to natural causes. A beloved husband, father, brother, and accomplished artist and educator, Robert dedicated his life to art and the uplifting of those around him.From a young age, Robert showed an extraordinary interest and talent in art, beginning a disciplined self-study at just 16 years old. After high school, he gained invaluable experience working in commercial art studios while taking night classes at Carnegie Mellon University. His journey took a profound turn when, at 20, he entered the Society of the Divine Word, serving as a lay brother for five years in New York and Illinois. During his time in the religious order, he worked on various artistic projects, including liturgical furniture design and illustrations for religious pamphlets, as well as attending painting courses at the Chicago Art Institute.Upon leaving the religious life, Robert returned to Pittsburgh, where he earned a B.F.A. in Painting from Carnegie Mellon University, followed by an M.F.A. in Drawing and Sculpture at Penn State University. His vocation became a passionate blend of creating art and sharing knowledge, culminating in a distinguished 29-year tenure at Marshall University, where he inspired countless students as a Professor of Art. In 1999, he became Faculty Emeritus allowing his creation of art full-time in his studio next to his home.Robert was not only an art educator but also a vital part of Christian community, leading weekly Bible study and adult religious education sessions at various Catholic churches as well as co-leading the Gentle Spirit Prayer Group alongside Steve Kalonick. An active individual until 82, Robert enjoyed running, swimming, hiking, and playing tennis, spending time in nature and playing mini-golf, tackling water slides and bike riding on vacation. In quiet moments, he was an avid reader loving his Bible most.A life-altering car accident in 2021 left Robert with a significant injury, but his spirit remained unyielding. He defied expectations to regain mobility and returned to his art studio, dedicating hours each day to his creative work, including a Gospel Painting Series and the most recent Colorful Contemporary New Testament Imagery series, for which he secured an Ohio Arts Council grant. He continued to create art up until he suffered a massive stroke in his studio on February 11, 2025.Robert's artistic achievements were numerous with his work exhibited nationally and regionally in various esteemed venues, including the New York Academy of Design and the Smithsonian's traveling exhibit. Reflecting his enduring legacy in the arts, one of the five bronze portait commissions (Dr. Charles Holzer, Jr) is found in Holzer Hospital, Gallipolis, OH and the large Marshall Lab School Puzzle Tile Mural, adorns a wall of the MU Educational Building, Huntington, WVA 2024 accomplishment included his painting image, Ephaphatha: Be Open being selected, then published in the September 2024 Give Us This Day a monthly Catholic Devotional from Liturgical Press, that had a print run of 97,000 copies. Hutton Wayfarer Gallery, which Robert and his wife Robin transformed from their daughter Rachael's home, became a showcase for artistic expression and community events. His work remains accessible to the public by appointment, with guest artist exhibits returning in the future.Robert is survived by his wife of 50 years, Robin Hutton; daughters /spouses Rachael (Chris) Barker, Emily Hutton (Matt) LaGrow; siblings, Frank Hutton, Elizabeth Vinch, Mary Lynn Rankin, and John W. Cleer, Jr.; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and his cousin and best friend, Wally Heron. The family would also like to thank very special friends, Jeannie and Steve Kalonick. His influence extended beyond family and friends; he touched the lives of many students and community members through his art, Christian example and spiritual teachings. Robert Hutton's family invites everyone who knew and loved Robert to celebrate his vibrant, prolific life by attending Sacred Heart Church 2015 Adams Avenue for a Funeral Mass and eulogy conducted by Father Paul Vazhapilly, Father Shaji Thomas, and Father Antony Benedict on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m., followed by receiving line / visitation with refreshments, slideshow, and additional memory sharing in the parish hall until 1:00 p.m. Burial of urn will be private for family members. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either an art scholarship fund/ juried student award in Robert's memory sent to: Marshall University Foundation, 519 John Marshall, Huntington WV 25703, with "In memory of Robert P. Hutton written on the memo line or to Catholic Charities https://www.ccwva.org/get-involved/donate/donate-online/ In memory of Robert P. Hutton Robert was preceded in death by: father Edward T. Hutton, mother Gere (Marshall )Hutton Cleer brother, Edward J. Hutton, sister Ginny Hutton, step-mother Virginia Hutton , step-father John W. Cleer, Sr. Reger Funeral Home, Huntington is assisting the family with arrangements.