Robert J. Sutton

Robert John Sutton, 91, of Lake Ann, passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at his home. At the time of his death he was attended by his son and daughter-in-law. Robert was born December 23, 1926 to Hubert and Velva Sutton in Kennard, IN at his aunt's home. He grew up in the New Castle, IN area with his four brothers and four sisters. A lifelong involvement with music began at age 7 when he learned to play guitar. He played music all through the 40's and 50's with his family, known as The Sutton Family Band. They performed weekly at various venues throughout central Indiana. He graduated from New Castle High School in 1945. Immediately after graduation, on June 7, 1945, he enlisted in the U. S. Army. Robert served in the Military Police in both Denmark and Berlin, Germany from 1945 until October of 1946. He was part of the Post War Occupation Force as an MP desk sergeant in the American Sector of Berlin. He was honorably discharged in October 1946 upon the death of his father. He and Annetta Hudson were married December 1, 1948. Following WW II, he attended Ivy Tech, Ball State University and Lincoln Institute of Technology. He worked for a time at Shapiro's Cafeteria and at Horney's Music Store as a salesman and guitar instructor. On June 9, 1950 he went to work for Chrysler Corporation as an hourly employee. In 1951 he was promoted to line foreman over shock absorbers. In 1952 he was elevated to the Personnel Department as the Labor Relations Supervisor. Robert retired from that position December 31, 1981. He was very active in the New Castle community and as a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. He was involved in and chairman of the local United Fund. In 1959 he began his tenure as Scout Leader by forming Cub Scout/Boy Scout Troop 454 at Hernly Grade School. In 1964 he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award for Distinguished Service. He also helped found the New Castle Barbershop Chorus. Upon retirement, he and his wife Ann moved to Lake Ann in December 1981. An avid outdoorsman, he loved to fish, camp, snowmobile, mushroom hunt and hike. A member of All Saints Lutheran Church and eventually attended Advent Lutheran Church in Lake Ann where he was active in the choir, Bible studies and church council. Always the avid musician, he play guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin and ukulele. He was also, for several years, a member of the Cherry Capital Barbershop Chorus and S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A. He enjoyed entertaining in the Northern Michigan area with both the chorus and several quartets. He was known after his retirement as an accomplished woodworker. His creations included wooden toys, tables, Adirondack chairs, library boxes and pulpits. Robert was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandpa. He served as sole caregiver for his wife Ann for several years. They had been married for 57 years at the time of her death December 28, 2005. He was best known for his quick wit and always having a story to tell. A friendly, trusting and truly nice person who was devoted to God and his church to the end. Robert is survived by his son Larry and daughter-in-law LuAnn of New Castle, IN; grandsons Lee (Anmarie) Sutton of Parker, CO and Dan Sutton of Kansas City, MO; great grandchildren Lana and Carter Sutton of Parker, CO. Also surviving are two sisters, Treva Cross of Indianapolis, IN and June (Ray) Croxford of Caldwell, ID. In addition, Robert leaves behind several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Annetta; brothers Jack, Paul, Walter and Doyle as well as sisters Margaret Kuhn and Joan Neal. The family would like to give a special thanks to Chelsey, Shelly and Tim. A visitation will take place from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 16 at Advent Lutheran Church, 8481 Lake Ann Rd., Lake Ann, MI 49650. The service celebrating Robert's life will begin at 1 p.m., also at the church, the Rev. Tim Jahn will officiate. Burial will take place in Lake Ann Cemetery following the service. Memorial donations may be made in Robert's name to Advent Lutheran Church, P. O. Box 249, Lake Ann, MI 49650 or to the American Cancer Society, 129 S. Jefferson, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Robert J. Sutton

December 23, 1926 - May 9, 2018