Paul Sutton Obituary
Paul W. Sutton, 70, of Naperville, Illinois, Professor Emeritus of North Central College is now at peace March 8, 2008 after a long battle against non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He was born in Dell, Wisconsin on August 18, 1937 the only child of Reverend Warren and Edna Sutton.
Young Paul moved along with his parents as they served churches in Nebraska and Wisconsin. Paul attended Reedsburg Senior High School in Wisconsin representing them at the State Science fair and at Boys State. Following high school graduation Paul attended North Central College in Naperville, IL earning summa cum laude in 1958 with a triple major in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. He attended graduate school at the University of Wisconsin in Madison where he earned a PhD in Physical Chemistry.
His teaching career spanned 38 years at North Central College, from 1962 to 2000, where he taught in the departments of physics, chemistry and computer science; offered leadership in curriculum development; and served as chair of several departments and the Division of Science. Many of his students and colleagues remember him as a kind, brilliant, humble, and often absent-minded professor, supportive friend, and mentor.
Dr. Sutton met his future wife as she was a student of one of the classes he taught at North central College in 1964. They married the following summer and have celebrated forty-two wonderful years of marriage. Paul's wife, both children and their daughter-in-law have degrees from North Central College.
Active as a layperson in the United Methodist church on the local, district, and conference levels he was presented The Bishop Marjorie Matthews award for his work on the Commission on Status and Role of Women. Dr. Sutton received from North Central College the Clarence Dissinger Award for Teaching and later was named the first Chair holder of the Harold and Eva White Distinguished Professor in the Liberal Arts.
Other interests include music, playing bridge, Habitat for Humanity, a love of nature shared with his family as they planted 3000 threes on the family's wilderness property, and his personal research as a Fellow at Argonne National Laboratory.
Paul is survived by his loving wife, Rev. Dr. Lana Thompson Sutton; his children, Chad A. (Stephanie) Sutton of Rolling Meadows and Dr. Claire N. Sutton of Naperville; his grandson, Shane L. Sutton; a host of cousins; many loving nieces and nephews; and their children.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Ever the teacher, Paul decided many years ago to donate his mortal body for medical research through the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois. In this way medical students will be able to learn anatomy and help future patients.
A Memorial Service celebrating Paul's life will be held on Saturday, March 15th at 11AM. Memorial visitation Saturday, March 15th from 10-11 AM, and luncheon to follow, at Community United Methodist Church, 20 North Center Street, Naperville, Illinois. North Central College is planning a Service of Memorial at Koten Chapel on the campus on Tuesday, March 25, at Noon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The University of Wisconsin Foundation, 1848 University Ave., Madison, WI 53726-4090; the St. Thomas United Methodist Church Building Fund, 2 South 511 Route 53, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137; and the North Central College, Paul W. Sutton Scholarship Fund, NCC Development Office, 30 N. Brainard Street, Naperville, IL 60540. FRIEDRICH-JONES FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
44 South Mill St, Naperville
(630) 355-0213
Published by Naperville Sun on Mar. 13, 2008.