On May 31, 1979 Erik Lee Hutchens entered this world at a whopping 11 lbs., 3 ozs at Liberal Kansas. He was the son of Butch and Colleen (Nelson) Hutchens. He departed this life on May 29, 2011 at the young age of 31 at Woodward, Oklahoma.

Shortly after Erik was born the family moved to family farm in Vici, Oklahoma. They later moved to Woodward. Erik attended school in Woodward before transferring to Vici school in 1994. He was a member of the graduating Class of 1998.

Erik was a real outdoorsman. He loved hunting, riding his horse Midnight, and camping. Erik, his dad and brothers spent many hours together at the farm. Erik and Butch rode in the South Canadian River Cattle Drives and were two-time Ranch Rodeo Champions. He was a member of the Christian Cowboys Club. In fact, he once came to Brother Clyde's rescue when Clyde's horse got stuck in quicksand. Brother Clyde baptized Erik.

Erik was an artistic young man. He had a special talent and appreciation for good sketch work and tattoos. Erik was also an avid video gamer and movie buff. He had a great sense of humor – a good prank was always in the works.

Erik worked for Homeland during his high school years, and as an adult, he worked for Ames Construction, Diamond Construction, and Irwin Auto. He was a heavy equipment operator and diesel mechanic. For a time, he also worked at the Ft Supply Hospital. He was always ready to lend a hand and help his mom with her work at the OARC.

Erik was blessed with four adorable children; Raquel Marie, Haylee Cheyenne, Evan lee, and Payton Lynn. Each of his children was special to him. He enjoyed spending time with them riding horses, swimming, swinging, and playing video games.

Although Erik spent most of his life in the Woodward/Vici area, he lived for short periods of time in Hays, Kansas Mooreland, Oklahoma Victoria, Texas and Creed, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his dad, Butch Hutchens in 2008, his paternal grandparents, Everett and Delores Hutches, maternal grandparents, JC and Shirley Nelson and his uncle, Curtis Nelson.

Erik is survived by his four children, Raquel, Haylee, and Evan of Woodward, Oklahoma and Payton of Hays, Kansas. his mother, Colleen Hutchens and fiancé Glenn Binder of Woodward, Oklahoma, his brother and sister-in-law Chris and Jenny Martin of Cedar Hill, Texas, brother, Clint Hutchens of Creed, Colorado, brother, Talon Hutchens of Topeka, Kansas; nephews, Conor and Aden; aunts and uncles, Debbie and Wayne Hazelbaker, Buddy and LaRessa Hutchens, Leann and Bill Key, Clem and Sherry Nelson, Corrine Nelson and Kathy Nelson, in addition to many special cousins, other important people in Erik's life were his wife, Lisa and her daughters Katie and Sage, Joan Salisbury and his life-long friend, Steven Lichtenwalter.