Michael Joseph Dutcher
November 21, 1988 ~ September 15, 2011
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Cpl. Michael Joseph Dutcher, 22, was killed in action Thursday, September 15, 2011, in Helmond Province, Afghanistan.
Cpl. Dutcher was born in Asheville and was a 2007 graduate of Asheville High School where he was a member of the marching band and a member of the Marine Corps JROTC. At the time of his death, he was a member of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, stationed in Camp Pendleton, CA.
He was the loving son of Teresa Gentry Dutcher and twin brother of David Timothy Dutcher. Cpl. Dutcher has now joined his father, David Dutcher, who died in 2005. He was also preceded in death by grandparents Harold Gentry and Paul and Betty Dutcher.
In addition, he is survived by his grandmother, Frances Gentry; aunts, Marsha Gentry, Paula Glosup, Sherry Rollins and Patty Jackson; uncles, Randy and Les Dutcher, several nieces and nephews, and by his fiancée, Rachel Adams.
A funeral service is scheduled for 12:00 noon Friday at Trinity Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Ralph Sexton and the Revs. Allen Rash and Dwight Parrish officiating. Full military honors will follow at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Trinity Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Jacksonville, FL 322356.
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Thank you for your son.He makes me proud to say I’m a American .Now he sit at the right hand of God his battle is over ours goes own.But till that day comes and your son will welcome you with open arms just like so many more of us.Again than you and may God bless you in the hard day’s to come
Judy
I did not know you Sir, but you I salute today. Thank you for serving you country with pride and faithfullness. May God give your family the strenght to carry on..May He bring to their rememberances the GOOD memories, the laughter, hugs and love that you brought to them to help and ease the times that there will be tears….Thank you family and friends for sharing your fine young man with our country, I honor him today and will take and have a silence of prayer for my thankfullness for him and for you all to have strenght….God Bless you and keep you in His loving arms…
Teresa, I am so sorry for your loss. I haven’t seen Michael since he went to middle school but I remember he was a good kid. I pray God will comfort and strengthen you and your family. I do think of you often and wondered what happend to you..May God Bless you and take care of you.
A brave man. A resilient man. He clearly came from a family of bravery and resilience. I knew him JROTC; he was one give and serve. We have indeed lost a courageous man; a hero. God be with you in this season of mourning. I know it was not God’s will for this to happen; may you find refuge and comfort in His presence. I take console in knowing that death will be the final enemy that is destroyed (I Corinthians 15:26). I Thessalonians 4:13-18 also comfort me. Thank you for rearing such a strong and courageous man. His life and service will never be gone from my memory. God bless you.
By His grace,
James Dorr
Our deepest sympathies at your grievous loss. May God’s grace and mercy ease your pain.
I would like to thank this wonderful young man and his family for their dedication and know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I will always remember this special young man and know that he is the reason this country is the great country that it is. I am so very sorry for your loss and I wish there was a way to take away your pain and suffering. David and Kim Hazlett
Sherry, When I seen where Michaels life had been taken away,for all Americans he served for, I thought of you. My heart goes out to you and each of the family. The pride of him serving our Country does not take the grief away. May Gods Mercy and Grace His Love comfort The Dutcher family.
We lost a daughter at age 25. And, to quote Abraham Lincoln,
I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in knowing that all the people of the State Of North Carolina are grieving with you and your family.
May God bless you exceedingly,
Former US Navy
Cliff Edwards
THE LIGHT
HE STOOD
HE RAISED HIS HAND
HE SAID SEND ME
I WILL GO
I WILL FIGHT
I WILL DEFEND MY NATION
MY PEOPLE
I WILL LAY MY LIFE DOWN FOR YOU
FOR YOU ARE THE FLAGS THAT WE DEFEND
I WILL DO THAT FOR YOU
SO.. MY LIGHT WILL SHINE
FOREVER IN YOU
THAT IS WHAT HE DID. WE LOST A LIGHT WITHIN US. THAT RIPPED US APART, BUT HIS LIGHT HAS TO SHINE THROUGH US, WE OWE HIM TO BE A LAND OF HONOR AND INTEGRITY. WE HAVE TO BE HIS LIGHT NOW FOR HE WAS OUR LIGHT.
I LIFT YOU TO MY GOD FOR ONLY HE CAN HEAL YOU, SO GRASP ON TO YOUR SONS LOVE FOR YOU, NO, OUR KIDS SHOULD NEVER HAVE TO LAY THEIR LIFE DOWN FOR US, BUT THEY DO, NOW WE NEED TO SHINE FOR THEM. I LIFT THEM TO MY GOD AS I CRY, SCREAM FOR THEIR LIFE AND THEIR BLOOD SHED. MAY MY GOD BE WITH YOU, AND MAY THE PEOPLE RISE UP AND LIFT YOU AND HOLD YOU AND KEEP HIS LIGHT SHINING.
Death in service to one’s country is the greatest valor. You have my heartfelt sympathy on your loss.
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. My heartfelt thanks for Michaels service to our country.
Sincerely,
J. Luczak & Family
Teresa: sorry to hear about your loss…as a parent I cant imagine your pain….Dutch would have been very proud of what his son has accomplished… he is a hero!!!!
Dutcher Family,
I don’t know you, but I’m a former Air Force veteran of desert storm. I just wanted to past my deepest sympathies for the loss of your son. He’s given the ultimate sacrifice for his country and we all are proud of him, just as I know you are. God Bless you all. Janet Wofford
Teresa I did not know your son but,I watched his uncles Randy and Les more or less grow up in west asheville. I was on the police dept when i met randy and les. i can not imagine the pain of loseing a child and have no words that i think would help. I can only tell you how sorry i am and that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family .
Teresa and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Michael. He was a fine young man and I have a lots of happy memories of him in band and ROTC at Asheville High. You all are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Mike Robinson
To the Dutcher Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Thank you, Michael Joseph Dutcher, for your service and for giving the ultimate sacrifice for your country to protect our freedom.
Teresa and Timothy,
We just wanted you to know our thoughts have been with you every
moment since we heard. We wish we knew of something we could do to help take away the pain. We will
be praying for you both.
To the Dutcher Family:
There are no words that will ease the pain of your loss. We have walked in your shoes.Look to God for your strength and he will lead you through the tough days ahead. We are the great country that we are and enjoy freedom because of heroes like Michael. Thank you for his Service to our Nation. To Randy.. we are always here if you need anything. You know where to find us.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our heartfelt sadness and sympathies to you and your family. We had the opprotunity to meet Michael when we visited our son Dan, his roommate, just before the deployment in March. He was a warm, kind and wonderful man.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest well, Marine.
I did not know your child but he gave the ultimate for our country. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
I did not know your child but he gave the ultimate for our country. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Teresa and family: I remember Michael well from when my daughter Alex and son Daniel were in ROTC at AHS. Both your boys grew into fine young men and I know you’re proud of them both. I am so sorry for your loss and I wish you and your family many, many blessings in the coming years, and know that Michael is now in the very BEST of hands.
I have a great picture from the end of my senior year in high school where Michael has pulled his shirt proudly up for all the world to see 🙂 I played trumpet and participated in JROTC with Michael and I know that such a wonderful, goofy and courageous young man and Marine will have found that place of eternal peace. I also know that he will never be forgotten. I hope the Dutcher family will be able to find comfort in that in the days to come. I love you all dearly!
Dutcher Family,
You do not know me, but I have a nephew serving in the Marine Corp in the same area of Afganistan as Michael. My entire family’s hearts are breaking for you and your family. We appreciate the service and sacrifice Michael and you have made for all of us. I pray that God will be with you and give you comfort and strength thru this horrible time. At Camp LeJune there is a stained glass window in a church that shows Marines guarding the gates of heaven which is so fitting. From one Marine family to another, May God bless and keep you.
Poem by: Irish Thom,
Dedicated to all combat troops,
Past; Present; and Future
Among the flowers,
Where shells explode
And souls corrode
‘Mid hellish powers;
Where death duth lure
And men endure,
Mad pain for hours…..
Among the flowers,
The hum of bees
Has gone with peace;
And there is nothing but showers
Of lead and steel….
God, we appeal
To thee, for ours….!
Teresa and Family,
We are sorry to hear about Michael. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
With Deepest Sympathy and Love,
Virginia & Bob Harrell
Teresa,
Comfort and hugs.
Marie
We are so sorry for your loss, please accept our condolences.
TERESA & TIMOTHY
I WAS DEEPLY SADDENED WHEN I HEARD ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR SON/BROTHER. THERE ARE NO WORDS TO EXPRESS MY SYMPATHY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. IF I COULD I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MICHAEL FOR HIS SERVICE AND ALL THE GOOD THINGS THE MARINES DO FOR OUR GREAT CONTRY. MY THOUGHT & PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. GOB BLESS.
MARY HARWELL
Teresa and family, Mere words can never express the pain that my family feels for you, and yours.
I didnt know Michael very well’ but I do know that my daughter loves him and that is enough for me. I do not know what might have been,and I regreat that I never will. Your loss is our loss. God bless and comfort you. DALE
Teresa,Please know of our love and prayers for you,Timothy and the rest of the family. Michael was a dedicated and courageous young man whom we will carry in our hearts forever. We know the Holy Spirit will be faithful to bring peace and comfort to your heart when you need it most. Pastor Mike & Debbie Brown
We are so sorry for the loss of your son. May God be with you and your family. We will be praying for God to fill your sadness with joy and to fill your heart with the Holy Spirit.
Teresa and family…you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you in the days ahead.
Thank you for your service. Semper Fi.
Dear Dutcher Family,
I just want to let you know that I am praying for you in your time of Mourning. I Firt Heard of this tragic event on Monday when a sweet young girl came through the lunch line and told me that her Cousin was killed. I said a prayer and want to say thank you to your family member that served in the military. I pray that the Lord God give you confort in this time of need. Here is a big {HUG} for the family and friends of a brave young MAN.
I’ll never forget you in my kindergarten class at Vance Elem. You were so cute and had a love for learning. You were always kind and helpful to me and your classmates. I know you will be missed by everyone especially your Mom Teressa and Tim and the wonderful woman you were going to marry. The sky will receive another bright star with you Michael. We love you!!!!!
Teresa,
While there are no words to ease your pain, I do want to express my sincere condolences. We are praying for you and your family.
I am humbled today to be an American when I hear a story on television about a young man who was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for family, friends, and country. I am so sorry for your loss. I know God will provide peace and comfort where needed. Michael is a true hero and patriot. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family and friends not just now but in the weeks and months ahead.
Dear Dutcher Family,
Although my husband & I did not know your son, we are friends with his Uncle Les & Aunt Michelle and we are so sorry for your loss. My father served 20 years in the Army and I have the utmost respect for all the men and women in the military that risk there lives every day overseas to keep us safe here in America. Michael is a hero that will be greatly missed by many.
God Bless you & all your family in this time of sacrifice,
Victoria & Bruce Sprinkle
MY DEAR PARENTS IN CHRIST.I DID NOT KNOW YOUR SON,BUT HAVE HEARD SO MANY GREAT THINGS ABOUT HIM FROM MY DAUGHTER,TRACIE HUNTER/WISE.YOUR SON WAS A GREAT FRIEND TO TRACIE’S SON’S,AND THEY ARE MISSING HIM BADLY,AS THEY REMEMBER GROWING UP WITH HIM ON VIRGINA AVE.MAY GOD’S ARMS AND WORDS OF COMFORT HELP YOU ALL GET THRU THIS AWFUL TRAGEDY.YOUR SON WAS A HERO,AND SO ARE YOU FOR HAVING TO ENDURE THIS.’GOD BLESS AND HOLD YOU ALL IN HIS ARMS AS YOU WALK THIS LONELY JOURNEY.’ALL OF YOUR FAMILY ARE IN OUR PRAYERS’ SINCERELY…BRENDA AND STEVE GILLIAM…ELLIJAY GA.
Dutcher Family:
We were so saddened to hear about Michael, although we didn’t know him as the young man he was when he passed, Jim worked with his Dad at CED and remembered him coming in there as a child around 7 or 8. I worked with Sherry at Wachovia for around 8 years and we became friends with all of the family, we still see Randy occasionally. Our hearts and prayers go out to you at your time of grief, only God can get you through this time of sorrow so lean on Him. We don’t understand these things but one day we will. Again, all our love and prayers go out to all of you, God bless you.
Your friends in Christ, Linda and Jim Wallace
Dear Theresa,
You are in my heart and prayers following your loss. You were in 2 of
my adult access classes. I remember that you were attending Michael’s graduation. May God keep you and Michael in his hands. Hugs to you. Marge Utterback
Having known Michael since kindergarten was a blessing. He was always such a wonderful guy to be around. He has touched so many lives and made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, he will be missed greatly. You and your family are in my prayers. I am very proud of Michael and grateful for the opportunity to have known him.
God bless you Michael and your family.
Teresa,
I was so sorry to hear about Michael. I remember back several years ago when Michael and Timothy were small children in school at Claxton. He was always such a sweet little boy and grew into a fine your man. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you in the coming days. Just lean on the Lord and He will see you through the tough days ahead. May God bless you and Timothy and the rest of your family. Love you.
Teresa,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine what you are going through right now. I pray that God lifts you up and carries you through this difficult time.
Teresa, David and family,
My words cannot console you for the loss you have suffered but I pray that my prayers will ease your pain. I know our son and our family will always remember the true hero that Michael had become. We are a 1/5 family who will honor your son at the Battalion Memorial Service.
Our deepest sympathy!
Blessings and support to the Dutcher family.
Teresa, I am so sorry to here about your son. I can only imagine what you are going through right now. My prayers are with you and your family. I hope to be able to come to Asheville to see you soon. Take care, Mary Blackmon Jackson
My deepest condolences, and prayers to the entire family
Charlene Rollins Lance
Sorry for your loss, I am thankful and proud of your son for serving our country. May God give you grace and peace in the days to follow.
Teresa, Tim & all of the Dutcher family may God bless you & be with you as you mourn the passing of your son/brother. I am proud to be an american & thankful we have those who will go to a foreign country to protect us. I salute & honor Cpl. Michael Dutcher & say THANK YOU for your service. I believe that Cpl. Dutcher has went to that heavenly place above where there will never be war. You are all in my thoughts & prayers. I know that God above will give you peace & comfort through this time. GOD BLESS YOU & KEEP YOU.
Teresa, Tim & all of the Dutcher family may God bless you & be with you as you mourn the passing of your son/brother. I am proud to be an american & thankful we have those who will go to a foreign country to protect us. I salute & honor Cpl. Michael Dutcher & say THANK YOU for your service. I believe that Cpl. Dutcher has went to that heavenly place above where there will never be war. You are all in my thoughts & prayers. I know that God above will give you peace & comfort through this time. GOD BLESS YOU & KEEP YOU.
I didnt know you or your son but i am thinkful for him and what he did and stood for you should be very proud i know I would be it reflects on how he was raised Thank you may God bless you and your family
Dutcher Family,
I am terribly sorry to hear about your loss. I went to Asheville High with Michael and had many classes with him. He was a great guy, a great friend to many, funny, kind, down to earth, easy to get along with, open minded and much more. Just know that your family is in my prayers. I really enjoyed knowing him for the time I did. God Bless him and you all.
Teresa and family,
I can not find the words that can comfort you right now but I do know a man named Jesus that will give you strength,hope and direction. May God bless you and your family! Just wanted you to know I have been thinking of you daily,
To the Dutcher Family, Michael gave all for our country, the great sacrifices made and that price was paid, deserve praise and honor. May out of the ashes of your grief come joy, knowing he did not die in vain. I send my love and respect to you in your grief and I weep with you in your intense pain.
Semper Fi
Mrs. Dutcher,
I am a Marine Mom living in Canton. My son is the same age as your Michael, doing the same job, in the same area of Afghanistan. He deployed the same time and is scheduled to return around the same time, Your loss could very easily be my loss also. I have prayed faithfully everyday for all the young men and women serving over there. I can imagine your pain because I fear it everyday. My prayer and hope for you is that God and his angels have wrapped their arms around you and you can feel their peace and love just for you. Your son is an amazing young man who sacraficed his own saftey to keep others safe. These are the strongest and most honorable of men. I know you will cherish this young man in your heart always with pride, honor but most importanly Mom’s Love.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our son-in-law is on his third tour and I was in the USAF and my son joined and was injured in his first month of training. We honor him for his service time and are very proud of him. God be with all of you. There Are People Who Care.
Tom and Donna McDevitt
Asheville, NC
My mother was deeply saddened to hear of Michael’s death. To honor his memory, my mother would like to give a scholarship donation to a deserving ROTC member of his high school. She is a resident of Connestee in Brevard. If you approve could you please email me at nancybzeringue@hotmail.com and I can tell you more. Our deepest sympathies.
Dear Family of Michael Joseph Dutcher, with thoughts of sympathy, When you lose someone very precious, no one else can really know all that you feel… But please know that many caring thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow.
Michael Joseph Dutcher shall always be remembered for his Loyalty, Dedication, Choices, and Beliefs in Supporting his Country and Freedom’s. Keeping us all so very safe. He is a true American Hero that gave his very all for the United states Of America. His legacy shall go on forever.
My deepest condolences for the loss of your precious son and hero. There are never words that can express the horrible loss you must be suffering. May God bless you and keep you forever in our hearts.
Sharon