Paul Nevin Hutchens, 96, of Chesterfield, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 13, 2026, and most fittingly his beloved wife of nearly 65 years just in time for Valentine s Day, where in his heart he d longed to be the last five years of his life. Paul was born on September 4, 1929, and raised in Canton, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Minnie Lou, grandson Gabriel and granddaughter Rebecca and survived by his children John (Gayle) Hutchens, Linda Cowl and Paula (Kirk) Shirley; Grandchildren Tori (Brian) Andrew, Tim (Amber) Hutchens, Mikey (Tiffany) Cowl, Nate Hutchens, Jess (Michael Buhman) Cowl, Kyle, Jordan, and Nicole Shirley; and Great Grandchildren Penn, Hutch, Arch, Myles, Jeremiah, Charlotte and Kylan, all of whom he loved and adored. Paul was a man of great faith who lived life to the fullest in steadfast love for and service of his God, family, country and neighbor - be they next door or other side of the world. As a youth he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. After completing and graduating his 5th year of high school (his father s self-imposed educational requirement for all his children) he attended and graduated from Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio and where he 1st met John Glenn (who was in his eldest sister s class) beginning a lifelong friendship. From there he enlisted in the United States Air Force proudly earning his wings and pilot status then subsequently serving as a Flight Instructor during the Korean War Conflict. Two highlights of his military service included breaking the sound barrier (with permission of course) and being stationed in Enid, Oklahoma where he met the love of his life, Minnie Lou Higgins. Though she declined the 1st blind date invitation (their love story meant to be), they later met at dance and were happily married for just under 65 years. From Enid they went to Athens, Alliance, Knoxville (where he, Buckeye fan he was, became an avid VOLS fan as well) and lastly St. Louis, where they settled in 1963, smack in the middle of their family homes in Kansas and Ohio. Paul s teaching career began in the Math Department at University City High School and ended at Florissant Valley Community College. During his tenure (over summer breaks) he received his Master s, becoming a full professor; worked in a tutorial capacity with the Missouri Department of Corrections; and served as treasurer for the JCD/NEA. He likewise served his church through the years as a deacon, elder, usher, board member and treasurer. Teaching - one of his great passions in life - he delighted in teaching anyone wanting and willing to learn, and not solely math related; indoor and outdoor games (with bridge topping the favorite(s) list), Bible verses, poems, woodworking, crochet, tatting, tricks, puzzles (math, word, 3D or picture - he loved puzzles and believed they kept the mind healthy, active an engaged), and so much more. Paul loved being with people. It mattered deeply to him to learn the name of every person he met, because they - and their names - mattered. He always made time for others and gave them his full attention. Being the kind, generous man he was, he readily stepped up to help others, seeing the need and filling it, often without being asked. He loved music so much that merely attending concerts wasn t enough; he joined local community bands so that he could actively participate. He was a regular blood donor donating over 200 pints before becoming a pheresis donor - at which point they stopped counting pints. He loved traveling and the outdoors; birds, working in his yard and garden, boating, swimming - and again, the list goes on. What he loved most of all was sharing all things with others. With his passing a large hole has opened in the lives of those who knew and loved him - yet we rejoice in knowing he is home.