Robert J. Sutton

Robert J. Sutton, 77, Russiaville, went to be with his heavenly father at 8:45 am Thursday, March 16, 2023, at his home. He was born December 24, 1945 in Kokomo, the son of the late Robert L. and Opal (Sanders) Sutton. On December 21, 1991, he married Melanie (Wood) Sutton in Clarkston, MI, and she survives.

“Bob” as most family and friends referred to him was a 1964 graduate of Clinton Central High School. He served in the United States Army for 7 years.  In 1995, he earned his Bachelor’s degree from Oakland University in Rochester Hills, MI.  Robert retired from Chrysler Corporation after 36 years of service, spending 12 years in Michigan including an extended stay in Mexico. 

Upon retirement, Bob loved to travel in his Newmar motor home.  He enjoyed winter trips to Florida, Alabama and Louisiana with his wife.  One of his favorite annual destinations was New Orleans Mardi Gras when his son would join, and where he always met many wonderful friends.   Each year on the streets of NOLA he would meet these friends again.  Their friendships continued like he’d been there the whole time.

Robert took pride in his family and the more he could share his experiences with them, the more joy he got.   He loved music and dancing with his daughter and granddaughters.  He also loved the music at Chapel Hill Christian Church where he attended.  He helped his wife with her craft projects (he loved to give them away).  In later years, he was his son’s first assistant at Sutton’s Towing.  He was caring and compassionate.  He touched lives in any way he could by making sure that everyone had what they needed.

In the last few months of his life, he continued to make a difference by allowing videos to increase awareness of Alzheimer’s and the necessary caregiving that the disease demands.  In reality though, while his family thought they were caring for him, Bob was actually the caregiver.  Often, even though his words were few and sometimes garbled, he would put his hand on our shoulder or give a hug and say, “I love you.” 

In addition to his wife Melanie, Robert is survived by his children, Scott Sutton, Michelle Sutton, and Chris (Christi) Sutton; their mother, Debby McCombs; stepson, Chris Hayes, and stepdaughter, Amy (Mike) Jackson; grandchildren, Hanna (Aaron) Brown, Aaron (Sierra Sandifur) Sutton, Taylor Chapel, Darah (Jacob) Hetzel, Ireland King, Codi (Beth) Sutton, Casey (Garret) Carpenter, Carlee (D’Angelo) Bryant, Max, Lincoln, and Jace Jackson; seven great-grandchildren, Cayden, Dre’lyn, Peyton, Roselee, Willow, Ameerah, and Kobe; mother-in-law, Martha Bollet; sister-in-law, Margie Butcher; along with several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters, Shirley Hill, Jo Ann Shanks, Mary McClish, Betty Pearson, and Barbara Miller.

The family would like to give thanks to Paradigm Hospice Care and their entire staff for the tremendous care they provided for Robert – especially nurse Jeff Louks, RN.

A funeral service will be held at 1 pm Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville, with Pastor Steve Allen officiating. Burial will follow in Russiaville Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Friends may visit with the family from 4 pm to 7 pm Monday, March 20, 2023, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association- in care of “Alz You Need Is Love and A Pair of Sneakers,” in Robert’s memory. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

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