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planted in memory of Calvin S. Sutton
Obituary for Calvin S. Sutton
Calvin S Sutton, age 91, passed away on Saturday, August 29 at Parkway Manor in Marion Illinois. Born on June 19, 1929, to Simon and Grace Wiedemann Sutton, he spent his childhood on Berry Hill in the community of Cottage Grove east of Harrisburg Illinois. There at home, he was instilled with the values of faith, family, and farming, values that would forever be his mantra throughout life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Simon and Grace, a 12-year-old brother Edward Lindy, a brother Charles/Lenora of Harrisburg, a brother George/Barbara of Florrisant MO., a son Bruce Edward, and a grandson Alex James Torricelli.
He is survived by Maureen, his wife of 69 years, son Charles Michael/Sandi Ley of Harrisburg Il., daughter Gina Lynn/Ken Torricelli of Champaign, Illinois, daughter Lorna Jane Sutton/Dan Dembicer of Los Angeles, CA, granddaughter Jessica Lynn Sutton of Harrisburg, granddaughter Carly Joe Wathen of Los Angeles, great grandson Jadiah/Cassidy Hobson, great grandson Adrian Mann, great great granddaughters Nova & Kitana Hobson, all of Harrisburg, IL.
As a young boy, his mother recognized the potential in his tenor voice and love of music. Grooming him for a lifelong profession of faith through his music, she was instrumental in his growth. He excelled in music as a young man and went on to lead the First Baptist Church choir as song-leader for decades, back before the advent of minister’s of music. At church, he loved to sing solos and was good at it! He was a lifelong deacon of the church, Chairman of the Deacons, and a Sunday School teacher even up into his 80s, serving the positions simultaneously. Fittingly, he spent the first Sunday of his life in the nursery at the First Baptist Church in Harrisburg. He immensely enjoyed ministering to others throughout the region as a guest soloist.
Calvin worked on the farm as a young boy and joined his father in a farming operation near Equality, Illinois where he and his father farmed 600 acres and raised livestock. To provide for his growing family he also worked the extra board at the Railroad many nights after farming all day. He was a member of the Saline County Farm Bureau and many other farming organizations. His love of farming was surpassed only by his love of family and God.
A man of considerable strength and stature, Calvin’s true strength was his character. Through his example, he demonstrated to his children all the good qualities that bind humanity. He wore his honesty, integrity, tolerance, forgiveness, and compassion on his sleeve. People of all color and creed were welcome at his table. He quite literally embodied the teachings of Christ. Always generous with his time and money, he selflessly gave to his church and to many philanthropic endeavors.
In his waning hours at Parkway Manor, his caregivers professed to his family their fondness for him and the privilege of tending to his “sweet and gentle soul”.
Rest In Peace faithful servant, and sing God’s glory in the Kingdom of Heaven!
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and the health concerns of family and friends, a private graveside service will be held. Arrangements in care of the J. M. Weirauch Funeral Home.
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He was preceded in death by his parents, Simon and Grace, a 12-year-old brother Edward Lindy, a brother Charles/Lenora of Harrisburg, a brother George/Barbara of Florrisant MO., a son Bruce Edward, and a grandson Alex James Torricelli.
He is survived by Maureen, his wife of 69 years, son Charles Michael/Sandi Ley of Harrisburg Il., daughter Gina Lynn/Ken Torricelli of Champaign, Illinois, daughter Lorna Jane Sutton/Dan Dembicer of Los Angeles, CA, granddaughter Jessica Lynn Sutton of Harrisburg, granddaughter Carly Joe Wathen of Los Angeles, great grandson Jadiah/Cassidy Hobson, great grandson Adrian Mann, great great granddaughters Nova & Kitana Hobson, all of Harrisburg, IL.
As a young boy, his mother recognized the potential in his tenor voice and love of music. Grooming him for a lifelong profession of faith through his music, she was instrumental in his growth. He excelled in music as a young man and went on to lead the First Baptist Church choir as song-leader for decades, back before the advent of minister’s of music. At church, he loved to sing solos and was good at it! He was a lifelong deacon of the church, Chairman of the Deacons, and a Sunday School teacher even up into his 80s, serving the positions simultaneously. Fittingly, he spent the first Sunday of his life in the nursery at the First Baptist Church in Harrisburg. He immensely enjoyed ministering to others throughout the region as a guest soloist.
Calvin worked on the farm as a young boy and joined his father in a farming operation near Equality, Illinois where he and his father farmed 600 acres and raised livestock. To provide for his growing family he also worked the extra board at the Railroad many nights after farming all day. He was a member of the Saline County Farm Bureau and many other farming organizations. His love of farming was surpassed only by his love of family and God.
A man of considerable strength and stature, Calvin’s true strength was his character. Through his example, he demonstrated to his children all the good qualities that bind humanity. He wore his honesty, integrity, tolerance, forgiveness, and compassion on his sleeve. People of all color and creed were welcome at his table. He quite literally embodied the teachings of Christ. Always generous with his time and money, he selflessly gave to his church and to many philanthropic endeavors.
In his waning hours at Parkway Manor, his caregivers professed to his family their fondness for him and the privilege of tending to his “sweet and gentle soul”.
Rest In Peace faithful servant, and sing God’s glory in the Kingdom of Heaven!
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and the health concerns of family and friends, a private graveside service will be held. Arrangements in care of the J. M. Weirauch Funeral Home.
To plant a tree in memory of Calvin S. Sutton, visit the Tribute Store.
Cemetery Details
Location
Cottage Grove Cemetery
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Harriburg, IL 62946
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