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Raymond Andrew "R.A." DeSutter II

Raymond Andrew "R.A." DeSutter II obituary, Attica, IN

FUNERAL HOME

Maus Funeral Home - Attica

704 Council Street

Attica, Indiana

Raymond DeSutter Obituary

West Lafayette – Raymond "R.A." Andrew DeSutter II, 88, West Lafayette, passed away quietly at Westminster Village in West Lafayette, with his wife, son and daughter by his side, on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at 5:30 a.m.

R.A. was born in Lafayette, Indiana on September 30, 1935. He was the son of the late Raymond A. and Mildred P. (Campbell) DeSutter. He grew up in Attica and was the salutatorian of the Attica High School Class of 1953. In his youth he spent many summer days on his grandparents' farm near Hillsboro. His grandfather Campbell was vision-impaired, so R.A. helped plant the crops under his guidance. This is where he learned to love farming. He also spent as many hours in the woods with his lifelong friend, Gale Helms, as he could, honing their marksmanship and trust in one another.

After graduation, and with strong encouragement from his father, he attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating magna cum laude in 1957. While at Notre Dame he played the baritone in the marching band and sang in the glee club. He also roomed, and became lifelong friends with, Dick Cunningham of Albany, New York.

Two weeks after graduating from Notre Dame, R.A. became a Trappist Monk at the Our Lady of Gethsemani Monastery near Bardstown, Kentucky. He spent most of his six years there working in the garden, which provided the food for the monastery. Here, he also met another lifelong friend, Pete Deegan of Port Huron, Michigan. Among other exploits, the two of them "expropriated" food from the monastery pantry and made clandestine deliveries to families in need in the hills and hollers surrounding the monastery. While there, he also studied under the famous Catholic Philosopher, Thomas Merton, who had a major impact on his spiritual and intellectual growth.

In 1963, R.A. left the monastery to pursue his true passion, farming. He first worked with his Uncle Lawrence and cousin Larry, who was more like a brother. Later he partnered with his brother-in-law Ray McGraw.

On June 6, 1966, he married the love of his life, Lynn Sells in Lafayette, Indiana and she survives. They had two children, Dan DeSutter (Barbie) of Attica, and Ann DeSutter of Longmont, Colorado. Lynn and R.A. enjoyed exploring the world together with trips to Africa, Ireland, Greece, Turkey, Mexico and throughout the USA. They also enjoyed family and wonderful friends from their faith community at St. Tom's in West Lafayette.

Through St. Tom's, R.A. got involved with mission work in Haiti. He made several trips mostly focusing on providing clean drinking water. He also worked to provide scholarships to Haitian youth. His Haitian ministry was indicative of the compassionate, caring person he was known to be.

R.A. served his local community in several capacities as well. He was a member and President of the Attica Consolidated School board for twelve years. He served on the Attica Community Foundation Board. He also served on the Fountain County Farm Service Agency County Committee.

He was an avid lifelong reader, an instrument-rated private pilot and was selected as Conservation Farmer of the Year for Fountain County.

Perhaps his greatest passion, besides his family, was his stewardship of the land. In 1983, he began farming on his own using ridge-till technology to minimize soil erosion and external inputs. In 1991, he began farming in partnership with his son Dan. Together they successfully converted the farm to a no-till system, teaching and sharing their knowledge with other farmers from around the globe.

After his "retirement", he remained active on the farm as long as his health allowed into his eighties. When he wasn't needed in the field, he loved to practice his landscape artistry with his bulldozer, excavator, and bobcat. He never quit until his failing heart demanded it.

R.A. leaves behind his wife, Lynn, of 57 years along with two children. Dan (Barbie) DeSutter, and their three children; Dylan (Tayler) DeSutter, Damon (Karley) DeSutter and Dalton (Maddie) DeSutter as well as two great-grandchildren Sage Maren DeSutter and Miles Daniel DeSutter all of Attica; and a daughter, Ann DeSutter of Longmont, Colorado. He also leaves two special brothers-in-law, Larry (Melanie) Sells of Westfield, IN and Lane (Tami) Sells of Independence, IN as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister, Eva McGraw, of Williamsport, IN.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Beef House Restaurant in Covington, Indiana on Saturday, February 17, 2024. The Celebration will begin at 4 p.m. with a meal to follow. Family and friends are encouraged to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:

St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Foundation

535 W. Mitch Daniels Boulevard

West Lafayette, IN 47907

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fountain County Neighbor from Feb. 7 to Feb. 15, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Raymond DeSutter

Sponsored by Maus Funeral Home - Attica.

Not sure what to say?





Karen Tooker

February 12, 2024

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Single Tree

Thomas Dorenbusch

Sent Flowers

Aletta ,David Sutton & family

February 9, 2024

He possessed kindness, generosity and humbleness. True principles of a Godly man.

Julie Snyder

February 9, 2024

R.A. is married to my cousin, Lynn. I made many trips to Indiana with my family. My memories of R.A. was his gentleness and kindness. I always loved spending time with him as he would take us on a tour through his farm. He would let us pick the corn and eat it fresh. My Mom, Shirley whom passed away June 23 held R.A. in the highest regard. He is truly Loved ❤

Dr. Arthur and Mrs. Pat Rosen

February 8, 2024

We are deeply saddened to hear of RA's passing. He was the salt of the earth, one of the most amazing humans we've ever known. His light shone so brightly and lit the way for so many. May he rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing.

Single Tree

Julie Petro

Sent Flowers

Rick Kirts

February 8, 2024

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Grove of 100 Trees

Craig Shepherd

Planted Trees

Kelly Staggs

February 8, 2024

Lynn, Dan &Ann...I am so sorry to hear about RA. He was one of a kind. The nicest person I have had the pleasure to know. He and dad were like brothers. We heard many a story of their childhood. I am sure they are in heaven having quite the party.

Shirley Joyner

February 7, 2024

So sorry to hear about RA passing..I went to high school with him..& corresponded with him for several years ..he was a special person..prayers for his family ..he will be missed..

John and Deb Dillman

February 7, 2024

So sorry for your loss. Sending our sincere sympathies and prayers.

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Memorial Events
for Raymond DeSutter

Mar

17

Celebration of Life

4:00 p.m.

Beef House Restaurant

Covington, IN

Funeral services provided by:

Maus Funeral Home - Attica

704 Council Street, Attica, IN 47918

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