Longtime retail jeweler Donald McCutchen of Rockvillle, MD, died suddenly on June 17.
He was 70.
McCutchen and his wife, Ellie, opened their store, McCutchen Jewelers, in 1988.
He began his career with a large national chain and refined his skills during his tenure at Theodore Nye Jewelers, a high-end jewelry guild store in the Washington, DC, area.
Internment will take place in his home state of Oklahoma.
McCutchen is survived by his daughter, grandchildren, sisters, brothers and devoted friends. In lieu of flowers, any contributions may be sent to the American Lung Association or the American Cancer Society.
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Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration
After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years."
Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations.
The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.
