CHARLESTON — The Charleston City Council is entering the new year mourning the death of member Matthew Hutti, who had served on the council since first being elected more than a decade ago.
Hutti, 44, died Saturday morning at his home in Charleston of natural causes related to ongoing health issues, reported Coles County Coroner Ed Schniers. Hutti, who had muscular dystrophy, had battled and overcome health issues throughout his life.
Matthew Hutti
“As soon as I got the news, it hit me pretty hard,” said Mayor Brandon Combs, who grew up around Hutti and his family. The two also attended Charleston High School during the same timeframe in the late 1990s.
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Combs and Hutti were both newly elected council members when they were sworn in together on May 7, 2013, in City Hall. Hutti was seated during this ceremony in a wheelchair, one of the mobility aids that he used to attend council meetings and attend to other city business.
Charleston City Clerk Deborah Muller swears in newly elected Charleston City Council members Matthew Hutti, on left, and Brandon Combs, on right, on May 7, 2013, at the start of the council meeting at City Hall. Combs, now mayor, and the rest of the council are mourning the loss of Hutti, who died Saturday morning at home of natural causes.
The mayor said his longtime friend was great to work with over the years as Hutti took on vital roles in many city projects.
Hutti, who received a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in public relations from Fontbonne University in St. Louis, subsequently earned a master’s in sports management at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. His roles in his hometown also included working as substitute teacher.
“He was loved by everyone around him,” Combs said. “He is going to be very missed.”
Funeral and obituary details were not available Sunday.
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ALLEN, Cecelia Diana (Yettaw), 71, Salem, formerly of Casey, died Wednesday (Dec. 27, 2023). Markwell Funeral Home, Casey.
HUSSEY, Laura M., 95, Charleston, 10 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 921 Madison Ave., Charleston.
POLK, J. W., 84, Mattoon, died Tuesday (Dec. 26, 2023). Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, Mattoon.
Barbara Ann Catron Johnson
Connie Sue (Snider) Olmsted
RARDIN, Elizabeth Ann “Betty”, 95, Fieldon, formerly of Martinsville, died Tuesday (Dec. 26, 2023). Greenwell Funeral Home, Martinsville.
April 28, 1928 – Dec. 23, 2023
BICKEL, Juanita M. (Hatfill), 104, of Mattoon, noon, Schilling Funeral Home, Mattoon.
Juanita M. (Hatfill) Bickel
Jan. 22, 1944 – Nov. 8, 2023
July 10, 1969 – Dec. 18, 2023
PERRY, Robert Franklin, 99, Findlay, died Saturday (Dec. 23, 2023). Lockart-Green Funeral Home, Shelbyville.
Dec. 28, 1918 – Dec. 20, 2023
GODDEN, Cynthia, 66, Mattoon, died Thursday (Dec. 21, 2023). Schilling Funeral Home, Mattoon.
Contact Rob Stroud at (217) 238-6861.
