John R. Sutton

      John Raymond Sutton, 77, of Norris City, passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on July 7, 1945, the son of John and Mabel (McGhee) Sutton. He married Peggy Patton on November 24, 1967, and she survives. John graduated from Eldorado High School in 1963. John went on to graduate from S.I.U. in 1967 with his B.S. in Ag Education. After finishing, he then received his Masters degree in Ag Science in 1971, from S.I.U. John was an Ag teacher. He taught in Shawneetown for nine years, and Gallatin County for 14 years. He taught nearly 3000 students over the 23 years of teaching. He taught inside the classroom, but also taught outside of class with Life lessons. John also farmed for 22 years. He was a member and Deacon at Omaha General Baptist Church. John served as an FFA advisor at Shawneetown and Gallatin County High Schools, as well as a 4-H judge. He was also on the Gallatin County Water Board since 1980. John had a passion for teaching and molding young people's minds, hands and hearts. He also loved spending time with his family and friends. John's family would like to give a special thank you to the staff of Southern Illinois Hospice as well as to the family and friends that helped with his care in the last few months. 

     In addition to his wife, Peggy Sutton of Norris City, IL, John is survived by his son, Craig (Crystal) Sutton of Hudson, OH; grandchildren, Jacob Swanson, Laura Swanson, Jillian Sutton, Tyler Sutton and Ashlyn Sutton; siblings, Harry (Danna) Sutton of Fairfield, IL. and Mike (Georgianna) Sutton of Paragould, AR; a son-in-law, Robert Swanson of St. Louis, MO; sisters-in-law, Alice Sutton of Norris City, IL, Donna Patton of Newburgh, IN. and Candace Mitchell of Norris City, IL; and a brother-in-law, George Patton of Carmi, IL; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Sutton Jr. and Mabel Sutton-Shay; a daughter, Sherri Lynn Swanson; a brother, Harold A. "Has" Sutton and a sister, Ruth Ann Sutton.

     Funeral services for John Sutton will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at Plainview General Baptist Church in Norris City, Illinois, with burial at Plainview Cemetery. Family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Plainview General Baptist Church in Norris City, and from 9:30 a.m. until time of service on Saturday, July 1, 2023. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in John's memory to Gallatin County FFA Alumni or to Omaha General  Baptist Church Building Fund, and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi, at 609 West Main St. Carmi, IL. 62821.