Reece Hutchings, 87, of Fort Wayne, passed away Sunday March 8, 2009 at Hospice Home. Born January 11, 1922 in Sparta, TN, he joined the army at the age of 17 and became one of the first members of the 101st Parachute Battalion serving in Japan, Germany, Philippines, Azores, and Chambley France. He was also a flight engineer in the Berlin air lift crises and later retired from the Air National Guard after 25 years of service. He was an avid archer, sportsman and co-owner of Waynedale Sportsman Shop and Hutch''s Shoe Repair with his wife "Pollie". He is survived by his daughters, Roberta C. "Bert" Hutchings of Boulder, CO and Pamela S. Frane of Fort Wayne; beloved companion, Helen Hearn of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Stef (Jeff) Hanyzewski of Mishawaka, Nikki Wyant of Mishawaka, Stacee Frane of Fort Wayne and Patrick Frane of Fort Wayne; 10 great grandchildren; Many other nieces and nephews living in Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Eleanor "Pollie" Hutchings in 2001. parents, Charlie W. & Mattie Hutchings; brothers, Will Ed Hutchings, Charlie Francis Hutchings & Willard Cecil Hutchings; sisters, Iva Ray Hobbs, Jo Marie Patterson, Ruby Lee Yates and Martha Christine Yates. Funeral service 1p.m. Wednesday with calling two hours prior at Covington Memorial Funeral Home 8408 Covington Rd. Calling also Tuesday 2-4 & 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens with military honors. Memorials to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home.