Obituary
Guest Book
Courtesy Obit Posting For Elkins Funeral Home and the Sutton Family:
Melvin “Mel” Henry Sutton, 70, of Killen died Friday, November 7, 2025, at Helen Keller Hospital.
Visitation will be Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 3 PM to 5 PM at Elkins East Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 5 PM in the chapel with Steve Milner officiating.
Mel would describe himself as a simple millworker but he was much more than that to anyone who knew him. He deeply loved his family and friends and cherished those relationships. He was proud of being a Son of North Carolina and the deep roots he had there, but called Alabama home and loved the life he built there with his family.
Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Robert C. and Beatrice Messer Sutton; along with his son Travis Sutton. He is survived by his loving wife Martha Cox Sutton; his son Heath (Robin) Sutton, his daughter Rachel (Mike) Aday, his step sons Andrew (Ginda) Folkerts and Bobby Staggs; his brother David (Rosemary) Sutton and sister Carolyn Boyer (Charlie); grandchildren Eli Aday, Cole Sutton, Ethan Vaughan, Trace (Zoee) Barnett, Ashlyn (Jesse) Thompson, and Leo Folkerts.
He retired from Champion / International Paper after 42 years with many cherished friends as a result of his dedication and hard work that was a part of his daily life long after his retirement.
You are invited to leave condolences at www.elkinsfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
296 North Main Street, Waynesville, NC 28786

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more