February 15, 1947 - July 17, 2026
J.C. Battle & Sons Funeral Home (543 Rockdale Ave, Cincinnati OH 45229)
Saturday 02/15/1947 Friday 07/17/2026 Cincinnati
Burial
Saturday 08/01/2026 12:00am to 1:00pm
Crown Hill Memorial Cemetery
11869 Pippin Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45231
Visitation
Saturday 08/01/2026 9:00am to 10:00am
Vineyard Cincinnati Church
11340 Century Cir E
Springdale, Oh 45246
Service
Saturday 08/01/2026 10:00am to 11:00am
Vineyard Cincinnati Church
11340 Century Cir E
Springdale, Oh 45246
Obituary
Donald Randolph Hutchinson, Sr., was born on February 15, 1947, in Cumberland, Kentucky, to the late Ira and Ida Hutchinson. He peacefully departed this life on July 17, 2026, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Donald attended Cumberland High School, graduating with the Class of 1966. Immediately after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He completed his training at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and was stationed at Camp Pendleton in Southern California, where he served as a Motor Vehicle Mechanic. During his Military Career, Donald attained the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSgt) and was deployed to Okinawa, Japan, and later to Vietnam in Southeast Asia, where he honorably served two tours during his four years of active duty. He received an Honorable Discharge in June 1970.
In January 1970, Donald married the love of his life and childhood sweetheart, Princeas P. Lee. Their beautiful love story began in junior high school, and after eight years of friendship and courtship, they became husband and wife. Together, they shared more than 56 ½ years of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, love, and unwavering commitment. Their union was blessed with four beloved children: Donald Jr., Anna, Donna, and Abraham.
In June 1970, Donald and Princeas relocated from Cumberland, Kentucky, to Cincinnati, Ohio, where they settled and raised their family. He joined First Baptist Church of Kennedy Heights and later Tyrus Christian Fellowship Church. Determined to provide for those he loved, Donald began working as an orderly at The Christ Hospital. Recognizing it was not a ‘good fit’, he passed the entrance exam for Cincinnati Public Schools and began his career in custodial services.
Never one to stop pursuing excellence, Donald enrolled at the University of Cincinnati, majoring in Physical Education. His passion for learning and personal growth led him to continue his education, earning certifications as a First Line Supervisor from Xavier University (1984) and as a High Pressure Boiler Operator from the Ohio Department of Commerce (2002). Through dedication, perseverance, and an exceptional work ethic, Donald served faithfully in Cincinnati Public Schools for more than 30 years, retiring in 2001 as the District Supervisor of Maintenance.
Donald was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and faithful man of God. He held education, faith, integrity, and family in high regard. He was stern yet fair, devoting himself to his children and grandchildren with enthusiastic support. He served in the Cub Scouts as Cub and Webelo Den Leader (1981) for Pack #194. He made a point to attend every recital, Saturday baseball game, band competition, basketball practice, pageant, birthday, graduation, and dissertation defense. As "Papa," he became a familiar presence in classrooms, serving as a field trip chaperone and earning the affectionate title of "Adopted Papa" from many of his grandchildren's classmates. Through his words and actions, he modeled perseverance, humility, discipline, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Ida; his brothers, Dallas, Andrew, and Joseph; and his sister, Era.
His legacy of love lives on through his devoted wife, Princeas; his children, Elder Donald Jr. (Dr. Debra), Dr. Anna, Donna (M.B.A.), and Abraham (Entrepreneur, Tameshia); grandchildren Danielle (Attorney), Donald III (M.S. and Author), Alyssa (Nursing major), Diana (UC Neuroscience major and Off-Broadway performer), and Tristan (Solon High School senior); his beloved sister, Joyce Sweatt; nephews James and Alfred; nieces Lucinda, Keisha, and Typhanie; and a host of relatives and friends whose lives were touched by his kindness, wisdom, and example.
Special online condolences for family and friends may be expressed at https://www.jcbattleandsons.