Benjamin Hugh Dutcher, retired mason
Benjamin “Ben” Hugh Dutcher, 83, passed away unexpectedly in his home Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023.
He was born in Wilmington and graduated in 1957 from Claymont High School in Claymont. He was in the National Guard for six years, stationed in El Paso, Texas, for radio and radar training, which he enjoyed talking about. He was an apprentice bricklayer before establishing his own company, Ben Dutcher Mason Contractor Inc., which he ran for 40 years until he had to retire early in 2008 due to his health.
He loved working outdoors doing yard work around his home and taking care of his animals. He loved traditional country music, which included George Jones, Kitty Wells, Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell and Patsy Cline, and enjoyed speaking about history.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Harrison Dutcher and Nora (McKinley) Dutcher.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Janice Edwina (Parsons) Dutcher; his two daughters, Deborah Dutcher Wilson and her husband Glenn, and Dawn Marie Dutcher Graney and her husband Joe, his two grandchildren, whom he adored, Joshua and Emily Graney; his sister, Barbara (Dutcher) Sweiderk; and his three cats: Tabitha, Little One and BabyCakes.
Ben’s funeral services will take place at noon, Saturday, Jan. 14, at Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton. A time of visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Interment will be held at Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery in Milton.
Flowers are accepted; however, the family encourages donations to be made to Delaware Humane Association, humaneanimalpartners.org/give/give-now.
Online condolences may be sent at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.
