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View a eulogy for Donald J. Sutton, USMA '55, who passed away on November 2, 2016.

Donald J. Sutton

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by West Point 1955 on February 22, 2017:

Donald James Sutton

Donald James Sutton, 84, of Findlay died peacefully Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at his residence. Don was born in Findlay November 16, 1931 to Ruth Anderson Sutton and Robert L. Sutton.

Don attended Oberlin College and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He enlisted in the Air Force and was a jet pilot instructor. In addition, Don was also a Physical Education Instructor and Lacrosse Coach at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Don ended his military career as a pilot of C97s and C130s at Stratton Air Force Base in Schenectady, NY.

Don was an avid singer and appeared on many television shows including the Ed Sullivan Show and was a member of the Journey at Christ Church and sang in the church choir. He sang for President Eisenhower at his Inaugural Ball and for the movie "The Long Gray Line."

He played tennis for the Findlay Tennis Association, winning the Findlay Singles Championship in 1994. He was a member of the local YMCA. He was a sales representative for various companies.

Don is survived by his current wife, Jill Cole Sutton; his former wife, Valerie English; his children, Lynn P. Sutton, D. James Sutton Jr. (Ruth), Cynthia Sutton Brewster (Michael), David Anderson Sutton (Amy); his step-children, Jeffery (Dawne) Trytko and Robbin (Rick) Pollard; his twelve grandchildren James, Caitlin, Christiana, Stephen, Stephanie, Taylor, Michael, Connor, Zachary, Matthew, Levi, Summer; his great granddaughter Maya; his step-children, Cherylyn, Sierra, Duke, Natasha, Alexis, Lucas, Anthony, Spencer, Tasha, Trever and Trista (Lane) Mellott; and his step-great-grandchildren, Avah, Wyze, Kaylie Ann, Tory, Kinsley, Payton and soon-to-be Abigail. Also surviving are his brothers, John and Robert; his sister, Ruth Ann Lawrence-Letzring; and several nieces and nephews. Don is also survived by Jonathon Thomas, a fine young Findlay man whom Don was big brother to and of whom he was very proud.

Don was predeceased by his daughter, Leslie Susan Sutton.

Don's entire family is indebted to Don's wife Jill for the happiness and love she brought him as well as for the loving care she provided.

The family offers special thanks to the people from the Journey at Christ Church and the Hancock County Veterans Service Office who helped so much in Don's final days.

Calling hours will be held Monday, November 7, 2016 at Journey at Christ Church beginning at noon. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Trevor Wright officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery with military rites by the Hancock County Veterans Memorial Squad. A light meal reception will follow immediately at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 1900 Indianwood Circle, Suite 100 B, Maumee, Ohio 43537; Journey at Christ Church, 225 West Bigelow Avenue, Findlay, Ohio 45840 or the Hancock County Veterans Memorial Squad, c/o 412 Garfield Avenue, Findlay, Ohio 45840.

Online condolences may be sent via www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.

The Courier
Findlay, Ohio
4 November 2016


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