OZARK…Mr. Tommy Powers “Tom” Cutchen (CW4, United States Army, Retired), a resident of Ozark, died late Sunday evening, September 28, 2025, in Dale Medical Center. He was 91.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, October 11, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Adam Mulliner officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 10:30 A.M. Saturday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Cutchen was a man whose life reflected deep dedication, quiet strength, and a heart for service. Born and raised in Dale County, Alabama, he was the beloved son of William Bascom Cutchen and Lenna Bertha Powers Cutchen. From an early age, he carried the values of hard work, faith, and community—values that would guide him through every chapter of his life.
He graduated from Dale County High School, and not long after, made the courageous decision to enlist in the United States Army. What began as a young man’s call to serve turned into a remarkable forty-year career. Through decades of commitment, he rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4, a testament to his leadership, discipline, and unwavering loyalty to his country. Along the way, he took advantage of the GI Bill to earn his associate’s degree—always believing in the power of education and self-improvement.
Even after retiring from active duty, Mr. Cutchen wasn’t one to sit still. He continued to serve by teaching at the North Carolina Army National Guard, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of soldiers. His passion for helping others extended far beyond the military. He found joy in ministry work, often volunteering his time and talents at the Salvation Army, where he helped with computer systems and offered a helping hand wherever it was needed. He was also a proud supporter of Samaritan’s Purse, always looking for ways to give back and uplift those in need.
For the past seventeen years, Mr. Cutchen led worship services at Oakview Manor in Ozark. Week after week, he brought comfort, music, and spiritual encouragement to the residents there. It was more than a role—it was a calling. His presence was steady, his voice familiar, and his faith inspiring.
Outside of his service and ministry, Mr. Cutchen had a love for life’s simple pleasures. In his earlier years, he enjoyed traveling to new places, going for long runs, and spending peaceful hours fishing. These moments brought him joy and balance, reminding him of the beauty in everyday life. He was preceded in death by two brothers.
Surviving relatives include his wife of fifty-six years, whom he married on October 14, 1969, Annette R. Cutchen, Ozark; daughter, Katherine Dianne Wagner, Columbus, Georgia; son, James Cutchen, Missouri; sister, Anna Eduora Carroll, Ozark; brother, Noel Angus Cutchen, Bonifay, Florida; two grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins; dear friends, Jeffrey Rizzo and Adam Mulliner.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
