Thomas Clarence Sutphen

1924 - 2015

Sutphen Thomas Clarence Sutphen, age 90, of Hilliard and Sanibel Island, died peacefully at Kobacker House surrounded by his family on February 13. Born in Columbus, Ohio on December 12, 1924 to Gail Mills and Harry Sutphen. Survived by his wife of 67 years, Tamea Bartholomew Sutphen; daughters, Susie Herb, of Durango, CO, Pat (Marcus) Aden, of Frisco, CO, and Julie Phelps, of Columbus; grandchildren, Scott, Andy (Crystal), and Brooke Herb (Devin Hencmann), Olya and Christopher Aden, Megan, Steven (Allison), Michael Phelps; and his beloved dog, Lady. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law Robert and Lois Sutphen. Tom graduated from Grandview High School in 1943 where he recently gave the commencement address. He then went directly into the service where he was in The Army Air Corps during WWII. He worked as a mechanic on B-24s, establishing a love of engines, whether it be cars, boats, or fire trucks. He was happiest with greasy hands working on his classic cars. He attended Ohio State where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. Tom loved life and lived it to the fullest. He went to work for his father selling fire equipment and developed the aerial platform that revolutionized the fire-fighting industry. He was the President of Sutphen Corp. where his passion was selling his product. He won the Iacocca Award recognizing excellence in the auto industry. He and his wife were members of several car clubs and traveled to numerous car shows all over the country winning many awards. Member of First Community Church, Scioto Country Club, Catawba Island Club, Captiva Island Yacht Club. He loved tinkering, creating and fixing things, as well as hunting, fishing, boating, skiing and was known for his dancing. He loved his family dearly. Family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Monday, February 16 at the SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Rd. Private service and interment at Green Lawn Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.Schoedinger.com. Contributions may be made to the Sutphen Family Fund at the Columbus Foundation, 1234 E. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43205, or the American Cancer Society of Central Ohio, 5555 Frantz Road, Dublin, OH 43017, in his memory. A celebration of life will tentatively be held on May 2.