GIBSON CITY — Sidney “Sid” E. Hutchcraft, 89, a native of Gibson City, died at 7:45 p.m. Monday, March 24, 2025, in Ocala, Fla.
A celebration of his life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 7, at the First Christian Church, 112 W. 12th St., Gibson City, followed by burial at Drummer Township Cemetery in Gibson City. Family and friends are invited to lunch afterward at the church. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 7, at the church.
Mr. Hutchcraft was born May 22, 1935, in Gibson City, the son of Howard and Gertrude (Rich) Hutchcraft. He was married to Mary (Bond) Hutchcraft on Aug. 4, 1984, in Springfield. She survives, along with one son, Jeremy (Allison Smeltz) Hutchcraft; one grandson, A.J. Hall; one granddaughter, Olivia; and one sister-in-law, Carol (Armstrong) Hutchcraft.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Noble (Lyla) Hutchcraft, Omar (Mary) Hutchcraft and Noel Hutchcraft; and two sisters, Darlene (Bob) Wiedenheft and Marilyn Landers (Payson) Lowell.
Mr. Hutchcraft was previously married to Verna Mae (Gilmore) Hutchcraft on Sept. 4, 1955, in Gibson City. Together, they had five children, who survive: Bryan Hutchcraft of Springfield, Jane (Hutchcraft) Rosendahl of Gibson City, Joy Hutchcraft of Springfield, Reed (Cathy Wilt) Hutchcraft of Mount Carroll and Gary Hutchcraft of Springfield.
He was also married to Karen (Kyes) Ashcraft, in August 1982. They had no children together.
Mr. Hutchcraft graduated from Gibson City High School and received his bachelor of science degree in ag business in 1957 from the University of Illinois. He held various positions for numerous companies, including national sales and marketing manager for Central Soya, executive vice president of the Illinois Pork Producers Association, state fair manager for the Illinois Department of Agriculture, director of marketing for Amusement Corporation of America, manager of the Indiana State Fair, 4-H program judge, president of the Pinellas County (Fla.) Farm Bureau, president of the International Country Music Buyers Association, vice president of the Country Music Association, long-time board member of the American Miniature Horse Association, instructor and board member for the Color Breed Council, and member of the Florida Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association’s advisory council.
Mr. Hutchcraft was known as a great horseman, volunteer, mentor, supporter and fair judge of horses.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family or charity of the donor’s choice.