Donald Sutter

Donald E. "Coach" Sutter

LEXINGTON: A life lived with integrity - even if it lacks the trappings of fame and fortune - is a shinning star in whose light others may follow in the years to come. Don Sutter lived that kind of life. As superintendent of the Lexington Local School District, Don autographed his work with excellence, honesty and quality, framing the district for its future success.

Don encouraged students not to be better than others - rather to be better than themselves. That kind of motivation encouraged some students to graduate high school, and propelled others to college, who would not have otherwise.

A lifelong learner and educator, Don passed away Sunday morning December 4, 2011. He was 86.

Born January 17, 1925 in Mansfield, Don was orphaned at an early age, and learned that for improvement to sustain itself, it must be self-improvement. He was graduated from Tiro High School in 1943; and earned his Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from Bowling Green State University in 1947. That year he accepted a position with Lexington Local Schools instructing Health, PE, and General Science while coaching varsity baseball and basketball.

In 1953 he accepted a call to Madison Local School to teach history and science, and coach basketball, baseball and football. He professionally moved to Lucas Schools in 1960 to serve first as their high school principal, and later as superintendent and elementary principal. He earned his masters degree in Educational Administration in 1962 from Bowling Green State University.

Don returned to Lexington Schools in 1965, first as assistant superintendent and then in the district's top position from 1969 until his retirement.

He held memberships in Ohio Education Association, Ohio Association of Secondary Principals, American, Buckeye and North Central Associations of School Administrators, Phi Delta Kappa, Ohio School Boards' Association, Lucas Lions Club and Lexington Kiwanis Club.

A gentleman, Don was quiet - even serious - and never said a lot until he had something to say. He excelled at listening and invested in "think time": one look and you knew what Don was thinking. He loved to read, and read everything and anything, as he never tired of learning or encouraging others to learn.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Susan & Randy Harris of Liberty Township; son and daughter-in-law Mikel & Gina Sutter of Lexington; grandchildren Rusty Harris, Tricia McEvilley, Chrissy Naber, Zak Harris and Maci Sutter; great grandchildren Nickolas, Adam and LeAnn Harris, Sam McEvilley and Hunter Naber; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Jane Sutter on October 29, 2003. Also deceased are his parents Jake & Rosetta Sutter; five brothers and four sisters.

His family will receive friends Sunday, December 11, 2011 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home, where his funeral service will immediately follow at 5 p.m. Pastor Dennis Eggerton will speak. Private burial will be in Mansfield Memorial Park. Contributions to the Lexington High School Athletic Department may be made at the funeral home.

Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sutter family, and private condolences to them may be made online at: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com

Don Sutter invested in education, but loved coaching. He knew he could stand tall without standing on someone...he could be a victor without having victims. And the light of his integrity continues to shine.