John Dutton

John Evans Dutton, 73, of Baton Rouge died peacefully Sunday, March 27, 2022.  John was born on April 26, 1949.  He is preceded in death by his father, John Gibson Dutton, and his mother, Jane Evans Dutton.

He is survived by his only son, John Evans Dutton II(Jed)and fiance Hannah K.Jones of Baton Rouge and his lifelong love, Deborah Dunaway Dutton of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas.

John was a 1967 graduate of the former Robert E. Lee High School and Louisiana State University.

After a chance meeting with Steele Burden, John was hired to be the Curator of the newly formed LSU Rural Life Museum, a position he held for 23 years.

John was an enthusiastic collector.  His collection of Civil War memorabilia including artifacts, books, and correspondence was extensive.  Furniture from the 1800s interested him and led to his passion for antique furniture construction and restoration using 18th century wood-working tools. He was always willing to share his expertise with professional colleagues, museum visitors and numerous historical associations.

Select pieces from John's personal collections are housed at the Port Hudson Museum, the Pentagon Barracks Museum, the Louisiana State archives, and the Rural Life Museum.  His appreciation and collection of Charles Smith pottery have enriched the lives of John's family and friends.

Throughout his career he was a proud member of many civic and academic organization such as The Foundation for Historical Association, Baton Rouge's Downtown Development District, The Civil War Round Table, The Pelican Arms Collectors, The Association of Preservation Technology, The Mid-West Tool Collectors Association and The Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans.

His lasting legacy will be his kind heart, sense of humor and deep love for his family.

The family will hold a private graveside service at Resthaven Memory Gardens Cemetery at a later date.

Those wishing to make a donation in John's memory may contribute to the American Stroke Association or a charity of their choice.