Cecil Joseph Sutton

Cecil Joseph Sutton of Belgrade, Missouri departed this life on April 12, 2014 at the Potosi Manor Nursing Home having reached the age of ninety eight years, nine months and seventeen days. He was born on June 26, 1915 in Caledonia, Missouri a son to the late Frank Sutton and Nora (Seaborne) Sutton. In addition to his parents, Cecil was preceded in death by his wife Fannie Marie Sutton, five brothers John Virgil Sutton (Slim), London Sutton, Clyde Sutton, Charlie Sutton, Alvin Sutton, four sisters Ethel Sutton, Edna Sutton, Lela Graham and Eula Wilson. Cecil was a graduate of Caledonia High School in. He was a member of the men's group at the Caledonia United Methodist Church. Cecil's 98 years of life were full – full of life, love, giving, caring, sharing and adventures. He always had a smile and a story. His stories ranged from playing in Janes Creek instead of going to school, to chasing and catching rabbits to sell so he could go to a basketball game, to his cowboy adventures in Nebraska. He always said with a smile that he and Marie Farrell got married on December 6, 1941 and his war started the next day and World War II also. Cecil served in the Army Air Corps in World War II and then returned home to the Caledonia/Belgrade area where he became a stone in the foundation of the community. He helped start the Belgrade Volunteer Fire Department and was a charter member of the Valley Lions Club where he served as Club President, Deputy District Governor and District Committee Chairman. He was an active member of the Caledonia Methodist Church, the Methodist Men's Group and owned/operated the Sutton Feed and Supply Store for many years in Belgrade. Many long days were spent transporting livestock to St. Louis and feed back to Belgrade. He was proud of his three boys – Bob, Ronnie and Joe. They all worked on the farm and at the feed mill. The only thing that would consistently cause Cecil to raise his voice was working his cattle—they never seemed to follow directions. He was a good man with a good, caring heart that touched many lives. Those who remain to mourn his passing are his three sons Cecil Robert Sutton and wife Bernadine of Monroe, Georgia, James Ronald Sutton of Belgrade, Larry Joe Sutton and wife Darlene of Belgrade; one brother Loren Sutton and wife JoAnn of Bowling Green, Missouri; one sister Nina Case and husband Roy of St. Louis; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends of who will sadly miss him. Funeral services were conducted on Friday, April 18, 2014 at 11 AM at the Caledonia United Methodist Church with Pastor Rick Lasley officiating. Serving as pallbearers were Tim Allen, Darrell Watts, Eddie Pashia, Michael Lyons, Shane Underwood, and Jason Underwood. Interment and final prayers were held at the Caledonia Methodist Cemetery where full military honors were presented consisting of flag folding and presentation, gun salute and Taps by VFW Post 6947 and the United States Army. Following the committal service, family and friends returned to the Caledonia United Methodist Church, where a luncheon was provided by the church ladies group. All arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the DeClue Funeral Home.