Earle Gordon Sutton

BILLINGS, Mont. - Earle Gordon Sutton passed away Wednesday, June 30, 2010, at home in the loving company of his family. Earle Sutton was born Jan. 29, 1923, in a sod house near Winnett to James J. and Shella (Reed) Sutton. Earle was the oldest of seven children. The Sutton family moved from the family ranch to Fort Peck, where his father was employed. Earle graduated from Glasgow High School in 1942, and the Sutton family then moved to Rapid City, S.D., where his father became the first fire chief at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Earle served in the Army Air Force from March of 1943 until November of 1945. While in the service he and Mary Delores Hadcock corresponded, and they were married Sept. 8, 1945, in Rapid City. After a short stay in Sioux Falls, S.D., where he received an Associate Degree at Nettleton College, Earle and Mary returned to Rapid City. Earle began classes at National College of Business, earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting, and became a teacher at the college. He then moved from teaching to administration where he became the Director of Admissions. Earle's career at National College spanned over 38 years, and as Vice-President and part owner, he retired in 1991. Earle also continued his education by becoming a real estate broker. He formed Sutton Real Estate and especially enjoyed listing rural properties throughout the Black Hills area. Another passion for Earle was his music. Earle formed the Earle Sutton Show, a band consisting of local artists and family members. He was instrumental in forming the Black Hills Country Music Association, which gained a large membership and held annual events to raise money for worthy causes. Earle made several trips to Nashville to record songs that he had written. He especially enjoyed writing songs about events and lore of the Black Hills area such as the "Rapid City Flood" and "Bury Me at Wounded Knee." Earle was a member of many organizations. He was an active member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars Club, Elks Lodge, Sertoma Club, Black Hills Corvette Club and a shareholder in the Thrillers Basketball organization. In order to be closer to family, Earle and Mary moved to Billings in 2009. Earle is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary; daughter, Kyle and Gary Regynski of Devils Lake, N.D.; daughter, Shelby and Daryl Wallman of Rhame, N.D.; and son, Reed and Robin Sutton of Billings; three grandchildren, Erin (Lonnie) Lacina, Tate Wallman, and Ty and Jax Sutton; two great-grandchildren, Tane and Brynn Lacina; brother, Al (Pat) Sutton; sisters, Margaret Javersak, Anne Amerson, Elizabeth Heutzenroeder, and LaDonna Engle; sister-in-law, Marge Sutton; and brother-in-law, Frank Javersak. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert; and brothers-in-law, George Amerson, Al Heutzenroeder and Roald Engle. Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 6, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Billings. Condolences may be sent to Mary Sutton at 2709 Mast Circle, Billings, MT, 59105. Smith Downtown Chapel of Billings is assisting with arrangements.