Mike Francis Hutton

International Award Winning Jewelry Designer, Well-known for his smoked salmon and ribs; incomparable storyteller; penultimate lover of the Ladies; grateful to be Diane’s husband; proud he was the one chosen to have the finest friends in the world; and at one time self-declared "King of the Entire World", reluctantly passed away March 24, 2026, of complications from COPD.

Michael was born October 14, 1944, in Childress, Texas, first child of Claude Francis and Geneva Adele Reed Hutton. His father was stationed at Childress Army Airfield. Following the War, his father entered Watchmaking School, then moved their family to Austin, where his parents had met when his father was a student at the University of Texas. Mike graduated from McCallum High School and was a student at the University of Texas before being drafted at the height of the Viet Namese War. He was stationed at Fort Hood, graduating as a Second Lieutenant from Officer Candidate School. Each weekend he would bring a carload of fellow soldiers to his parents' home in Austin; his parents loved these “Boys”; his mother relished cooking for them, and they were grateful for the homecooked meals. His parents developed strong friendships with their families. Michael served in the Infantry and achieved the rank of Captain during deployment, as well as National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, Viet Nam Campaign Medal w/60 device, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Two Overseas Service Bars, and the Bronze Star Medal. Upon return, he was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he completed his tour of duty. He moved to Wichita Falls, met his future wife Kay and the two opened Hutton's Jewelers. They moved to Austin and Mike began his decades long career as a jewelry designer. He received many awards for his designs, including the International Diamond Award in Paris. He designed special pieces for many clients, from politicians to celebrities. He was an innovator, and with his band of treasured cohorts, was able to have the Texas Legislature recognize and celebrate the Historic West Pole at Bee Cave Road, and Texas' celebration of Armadillo Day each spring, knowing Texans pay no attention to a silly groundhog. A proud Fifth generation Texan, he loved the Texas Independence Day Reenactment and Celebration each year. He and Diane made vast numbers of friends on their many cruises, and Mike became well-known as the Texas Gentleman who proudly wore his Texas "neck rags". In 2025, He was an Honoree of Honor Flight, to Washington, DC. It was a time Mike treasured and never stopped talking about in gratitude. Mike loved being from Austin, loved his McCallum High school friends, and loved the Longhorns! He knew well he was blessed and tried to live being worthy of that gift.

Mike is survived by his precious wife Diane; he would also include in that his former wife Kay, with whom he shared two of his children; by his children: Son Tommy Hiltzman and daughter-in-law Michelle of Longview; Michelle Hutton of Winter Park, Florida; Tana Hutton, North Platte, Nebraska; and Jennifer Anderson of Venus, Texas. And by his Grandchildren: Logan Williams, Nicole Hiltzman, and Jalen, Zachary and Logan Anderson; and by two great-grandsons! He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Patti and Don Johnson and their family. He is predeceased by his parents, and grandson Ian, each of whom is celebrating his arrival as we are mourning our loss.

A Funeral Service will be held on April 4, 2026, at 11:00 am at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 411 Ranch Road 620 South, Lakeway, Texas, 78734.

A Committal Service will be held on April 7, 2026, at 11:00 am at Central Texas Veterans Cemetery, 11463 TX-195, Killeen, Texas, 76542.