Floyd Wykes Hutton

Floyd Wykes Hutton was born on August 27, 1926, in Rifle, Colorado to Margaret and Floyd Hutton. He passed away on February 21, 2026, at the age of ninety-nine. Floyd’s mother played piano and organ for silent movies. His father was an electrician. Floyd was known as “Joe” Hutton until he was inducted into the U. S. Air Force. He was nicknamed “Joe” after the well-known silent movie character Joe Bush.

When he was a teen, he and his family moved to Grand Junction, Colorado. He had one younger sister, Margaret Anne. Floyd would have called his childhood idyllic. After high school he went to Mesa Community College and studied there until he was inducted into the Air Force in 1944. He served in the Philippines until his discharge in 1946.

Floyd then went to Colorado College in Greeley. And, with the help of the G. I. Bill, he got a double degree in English and History. He was the first in his family to graduate from college. After returning to Grand Junction, he started teaching high school English and History. This was the start of his 30-year teaching career.

It was at Grand Junction High School that he met his future wife, Barbara Blamey, the school’s nurse. Their first date was the evening before Thanksgiving 1960. They were engaged in December, eloped the following May, and were married on May 27, 1961.

Seeking higher wages, Floyd and Barbara moved to the beautiful state of Washington in 1962. Floyd started teaching at Mt. Rainier High School in the Highline School District where he taught English and History for 25 years.

Barbara and Floyd enjoyed the great outdoors; they hiked and kayaked all over the region and in Canada. Floyd had a musical streak. Barbara has heard “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” performed by Floyd on the harmonica, violin, keyboard, and other instruments.

When he retired, Floyd had a second 25-year career as a volunteer. He recorded dozens of books and newspapers for the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library. And, at Group Health he volunteered on the Information Line.

After living on Queen Anne in Seattle for 45 years, Floyd and Barbara moved to Horizon House in 2007. Floyd was a member of the OK Chorale, a friend to many residents, and a voracious reader. He was a kind and gentle man.

Floyd is survived by Barbara, his wife of 65 years; his sister Margaret Hutton; his sister-in-law Sandra Longnecker; and many great-nieces and nephews, all of whom brought him great joy and love.

Floyd requested no memorial service. Barbara thanks the residents and staff of Horizon House for their many kindnesses and caring.

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