Don Juan Hutchinson was born on April 30, 1955, in Franklin, La. He was the second child of six and the first-born son to his parents, Bertrand Hutchinson and Eloise Barnes Hutchinson. Don attended C.W. Hamilton Elementary School in Baldwin, La., from kindergarten to 7th grade. The Hutchinson Family then moved to Boothville, La., where Don attended Boothville Venice High School in the 8th grade. In 1969, the aftermath of Hurricane Camille relocated Don to Franklin, where he attended Franklin High School to complete his 9th grade year. He then was reunited with his family in Plaquemines Parish to attend Buras High School. He excelled in his studies and academics and earned the honor of being named Salutatorian for the graduating class of 1973. After high school, Don attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge from 1973-1977, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. So began his long and storied career in Louisiana government at the local, state and federal levels. Starting in 1980, Dan began working for Louisiana Gov. David Treen and would continue on this successful track, directly supporting other prominent elected officials in leadership roles for decades to come. By 1981, Don connected with Mark Drennen, who would become his longtime colleague and friend; where he served as a Legislative Fiscal Officer for the state, effectively jump-starting the rest of his career. In 1982, he married Pam Donald. In 1983, the couple welcomed their first-born daughter, Amber Renelle, and, by 1985, son Elliot Anthony. Throughout his tenured and ever-evolving career, Don worked with a multitude of business colleagues and peers. During his 35-year professional span, Don worked alongside some of the most prolific leaders in Louisiana such as Gov. Edwin Edwards, Gov. Buddy Roemer, former U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, Gov. Mike Foster, the former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, Gov. Kathleen Blanco and Bobby Jindal. Among his achievements and accolades, Don ascended to the role of First Assistant State Treasurer, serving under Mary Landrieu; and would later be appointed to the position of Deputy Commissioner of Administration under Gov. Foster. He then assumed the role of State Director in the office of [then] U.S. Sen. Landrieu. From there, he was welcomed back to Foster gubernatorial administration as Louisiana Secretary of Economic Development. Following his time with Gov. Foster, Don held prominent, consecutive leadership positions under Nagin, Blanco and Jindal. Proudly, Don retired from his dynamic career in 2015. Don is survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Pam D. Hutchinson; daughter Amber, son Elliot and grandchild Demi Marlo Perriott. He is also survived by his five siblings: Paulette Riley, Monica Martin (Kenneth), Deborah Quinn, Deidre Espadron (Andy) and Kirk Hutchinson (Denise); nieces Keisha Riley, Kimberly Riley, Ternisa Hutchinson Burden, Ashante Hutchinson, De'Jeanae Parker and Chardonnae Parker; nephews: Marcus Quinn II (Jamie), Seybrante Hutchinson and Kirk Anthony Hutchinson Jr.; as well as great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and an abundance of close friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bertrand Hutchinson and Eloise Hutchinson, maternal and paternal aunts and uncles.