Richard J. “Dick” Sutton

May 28, 2021

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Richard J. “Dick” Sutton, 90, of Frankfort, IN, died Friday, May 28, 2021 at IU Arnett Hospital in Lafayette, IN.  He was born April 23, 1931 in Wenatchee, WA to John & Thelma (Hanson) Sutton.  He married Karen (Kivett) Kline May 15, 1993 in California and she survives.

Dick graduated from high school at Auburn Academy in Auburn WA, Lab and Radiology Tech School in Minneapolis, MN, and additional classes at University of San Francisco.  They moved to Frankfort in July of 2008.  He was a veteran of the US Army, serving in Germany during the Korean War.  He retired from the Kaweah Delta Medical Center in administration.    He was a former board member of the Frankfort Rotary Club, Frankfort Crossing School and the Clinton County Boys & Girls Club. In January 2017, he was named Times Citizen of the Year.  Dick enjoyed fishing, was an avid mountain biker and reader.

The memorial service will be live-streamed at 1:30 p.m. July 24, 2021.  To participate please click the link below

https://youtube.com/channel/UCDk0NePtHIqZKHwKsT6YUAQ

 

If you are not able to participate at the time of the memorial service, the video will be available after the service.

Visitation and Services

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. July 24, 2021 at the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 352 W. Clinton St., Frankfort. Visitation will follow the memorial service at the church fellowship hall. Burial will be in Kilmore Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to The Crossing School, 3002 E. Wabash St., Frankfort, IN 46041, Clinton County Boys and Girls Club, P.O. Box 103, Frankfort, IN 46041 or The Frankfort Rotary Club, 1209 Forest Dr., Frankfort, IN 46041.

Survived by:

Wife: Karen Sutton of Frankfort, Mother-in-Law: Jane Kivett of Frankfort, Daughter: Shelley (Rich) Whitkop of WA, Step Daughter: Lesley Frisbee of CA, Son: Carl Sutton of WA, Step Son: Blake Kline (Lisa) of CA, Brothers: Keith (Brenda) Sutton, Robert (Pat) Sutton both of WA, 11 Grandchildren and 7 Great Grandchildren.

Preceded by:

He was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Phyllis Hasse and Mary Weijon and 2 brothers, George Sutton and Jim Sutton.

Condolences

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44 Condolences for “Richard J. “Dick” Sutton”

  1. Susie Plunkitt May 29, 2021 at 8:02 am

    What a neat guy! He will be so missed by the church family.

    Reply
  2. John Miller May 29, 2021 at 10:07 am

    Karen and family, so sorry. A great person and good friend. John & Grace

    Reply
    • Karen Sutton June 1, 2021 at 4:31 pm

      Thank you for kind words John. Dick always enjoyed the Tuesday morning coffee time at the library with “the guys” such as you. I hope you can soon return to having that. I continue to pray for you and Grace everyday.

      Love, Karen

      Reply
  3. Marilyn Marsh May 29, 2021 at 10:37 am

    So sorry for your loss, Karen and family.
    Marilyn Marsh
    Class of ’68

    Reply
    • Karen Sutton June 1, 2021 at 4:33 pm

      It’s so nice to hear from you Marilyn. Remember our South Side days? What fun we had together. Losing Dick is difficult, but I know I will see him again one day in heaven which give me so much comfort.

      Love, Karen

      Reply
  4. Doug Montgomery May 29, 2021 at 11:16 am

    Dick was a dear friend and I will miss him greatly. I’m sure he’s in amazing celebration upon meeting our savior in eternity.

    Reply
    • Karen Sutton June 1, 2021 at 4:35 pm

      Dick so loved you Doug, and I know you will miss him. But you and I know we will one day be with him again and enjoy celebrating with him when we meet Jesus!

      Love, Karen

      Reply
  5. Paula Perkins May 29, 2021 at 12:26 pm

    My condolences and prayers to you, Karen and your family.

    Reply
    • Karen Sutton June 1, 2021 at 4:37 pm

      Thank you for your kind words and prayers Paula. We so appreciate them!

      Love, Karen

      Reply
  6. Chris Walker May 30, 2021 at 12:06 pm

    Karen
    I enjoyed reading about Dick’s life and interests. Since we are recent members of FEPC, It helps me appreciate what an interesting person he was. May God and your wonderful memories comfort you and your family.
    Chris and Sam Walker

    Reply
    • Karen Sutton June 1, 2021 at 4:43 pm

      Thank you Chris and Sam. We have enjoyed getting to know you both. Dick and I shared a wonderful life together when the Lord brought us together (we just celebrated our 28th anniversary). I know the Lord is with my family and me in this journey now providing us much peace, love and comfort. I know I will one day “see him in the morning” with Jesus.

      Love, Karen

      Reply
  7. Brenda McMillin May 30, 2021 at 1:59 pm

    Karen I am so sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  8. Grayce May 30, 2021 at 2:03 pm

    Karen,
    I am so sorry for your loss, but in my mind I visualize him with Jesus and am so happy for Dick! We will continue to pray for you and the family!

    Reply
    • Karen Sutton June 1, 2021 at 4:46 pm

      Thank you dear friend. What joy we have of knowing he’s with Jesus! You and your Dick have been such good and blessed friends!

      Love, Karen

      Reply
  9. Beth Adams May 30, 2021 at 5:54 pm

    Karen, I’m so sorry for your loss. I pray that your family and friends will surround you with love, care, and prayers during this time.

    Reply
    • Karen Sutton June 1, 2021 at 4:48 pm

      Thank you Beth for your kind words. We are definitely surrounded with lots of love, hugs and prayers which are such comforts! I hope you are enjoying Florida, but we miss you.

      Love, Karen

      Reply
  10. Renee Brown May 30, 2021 at 6:20 pm

    So sorry to hear Uncle Dick passed away. My prayers go out to the rest of the family. I’m glad I was able to see him when he and Karen came to Washington and bring dad there as well so the two of you could catch up. A treasured memory.

    Reply
    • Karen Sutton June 1, 2021 at 4:50 pm

      Renee, I too am thankful that you and your dad came to Shelley’s to visit us. Your dad and Dick had such a great time together! What a blessing! I hope to see you again next year when I visit.

      Love,
      Karen

      Reply
  11. Carol Frazier May 30, 2021 at 6:33 pm

    Karen, I’m so sorry to hear of Dicks death. I know that this is so difficult for you. Be assured that Dick is with his Savior and will be waiting on you when your time comes. Be comforted. Sincerely, Carol Frazier

    Reply
    • Karen Sutton June 1, 2021 at 4:55 pm

      Thank you for you kind, loving words Carol. You know what this type of pain and loss is like. Tom was always one of my favorite cousins, and every time I saw him, I thought of Grandma Parson because he looked so much like her. What joy we have knowing that Tom and Dick are together again visiting with Jesus and many friends and family who have gone before them.

      Love, Karen

      Reply
  12. Kathy Glover May 30, 2021 at 7:43 pm

    Karen, my heart grieves for your loss. I’m praying that the peace of our Lord can fill you even in your tears. Love you, Kathy

    Reply
    • Karen Sutton June 1, 2021 at 5:08 pm

      Thank you Kathy. Dick and I always so enjoyed you and Steve. Although we miss seeing you, we hope you are enjoying your new home and being closer to your family! Although I am sad and miss Dick, God is surrounding my family and me with such peace, comfort and love through so many people for which I am so very thankful. Knowing that when Dick breathed his last breath, he was immediately with Jesus is wonderful and I praise God every time I think about him.

      Hugs to you and Steve.
      Love, Karen

      Reply
  13. Neal Dorsey May 31, 2021 at 9:39 am

    Sending my love and prayers. He had such a great heart for the Lord and a kind and gentle spirit. I will miss him.

    Reply
    • Karen Sutton June 1, 2021 at 5:13 pm

      Thank you for your kind words Neal. I totally agree with what you said about Dick; he was the most kind and gentle man I have ever known. Knowing he is with Jesus now brings me such joy and comfort.

      Love, Karen

      Reply
  14. Sharon Cunningham May 31, 2021 at 5:35 pm

    Karen…. much love to you and family Prayers for all. RIP

    Reply
    • Karen Sutton June 1, 2021 at 5:18 pm

      Thank you Sharon for you love and prayers. I can’t put into words how important and blessed by all the prayers and love! I trust God’s plan is always the perfect plan even when we do not completely understand it. I am so thankful you are part of our Bible study group because you ask such great questions and bring such wonderful insight.

      Love, Karen

      Reply
  15. Ed Sullivan May 31, 2021 at 6:59 pm

    Dick is such a nice, great guy. Great Rotarian. He loved fishing and biking. Best ride ever was at Slick Rock, Moab. He was fair, honest, truthful, and willing to fight for law and order. I think he carried silver bullets.
    A strong believer, he is surely with the Lord.

    Reply
    • Karen Sutton June 1, 2021 at 5:26 pm

      Dick really loved you Ed (as do I) even when you were his “boss”! All the bike rides you both were on, especially in Moab – Wow! After he took me through that area, I once told him…”if I’d known how rocky, dangerous, hilly that area was I might have said ‘please don’t go!'” But God protected you both thankfully!! One thing I do know Ed, Dick didn’t have any silver bullets. What joy we will all have seeing him again with Jesus!!

      Love, Karen

      Reply
  16. Jim and Janilyn Need June 1, 2021 at 8:49 am

    Karen and family. We are very sorry for your loss.

    Reply
    • Karen Sutton June 1, 2021 at 5:31 pm

      Thank you Jim and Jan for your kind words. You’ve known our family forever and I still remember you babysitting us girls Jan. Jan, you were one of the people who influenced me to become an RN. I wish you could have known Dick better because you would have liked him very much. This is a tough journey right now for Mom and me, but we both know we will see him again with Jesus.

      Love, Karen

      Reply
  17. Shan Sheridan June 3, 2021 at 9:00 am

    Karen, our prayers for comfort and peace abound. What can we say about Dick? What a loving kind and engaging person. Dick has been a great example of God’s love and forgiveness. I always enjoyed our conversations and his smile and laugh. You both have such a sweet spirit that we know comes from the Holy Spirit! He will be missed, however the day is approaching that we will see him sooner than later. Thank you both for all you have done in our community and please know that prayers and support will always be just a call away. We love you and may the incredible peace of God that passes all understanding keep and hold you now and until we see the Prince of Peace in person.

    Reply
    • Karen Sutton June 8, 2021 at 5:11 pm

      Thank you Shan for you wonderful kind and loving words. Dick always enjoyed your company and your love for our Lord. When we moved here from CA, he was so amazed that so many meeting or activities began with prayer; that just did not happen where we lived in CA. He especially loved your prayers, so heartfelt and honest and full of the glory for God. His death was a shock to me and so many because he had been progressing so well with his therapy in his recovery from his stroke. I am sad, yet joyful that he’s now with the Lord he loved so much. God’s plan is always the perfect plan, and I will trust Him even if I don’t completely understand it! May God continue to bless you in all you do for our great community!
      Karen

      Reply
  18. Travis and Gina Sheets June 4, 2021 at 11:43 pm

    Dick is a great man in our hearts, minds, and who we are. He was always just real, asking the to the point questions and getting to the heart of the matter. He loves Jesus and shared that love and that loves lives today in many many hearts around the world because of Dick. What a homecoming in Heaven awaited Dick – well done!

    Reply
    • Karen Sutton June 8, 2021 at 5:16 pm

      Thank you for your wonderful and loving words about Dick and I agree with you! He served the Lord he loved well while he was on this earth, and I know his homecoming had to be very special. Knowing he is with Jesus gives me such joy! Yet I so miss him, but I look forward to the day I am with him again. I’m praying for Harry and Travis, so keep me posted how the surgery goes and if Travis needs me in any way. I miss you both!
      Love, Karen

      Reply
  19. Barbara J. Maxwell June 8, 2021 at 2:10 pm

    Karen I am so sorry for your loss. I know what you are going through. My husband passed away April 23rd. We would have been married 62 years the 20th of June. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

    Reply
    • Karen Sutton June 9, 2021 at 4:38 pm

      Hello Barbara,
      I’m so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing as well, and I am praying for you and your family too. April 23rd was Dick’s 90th birthday. It is a sad time to lose a loved one, and I hope and pray God is keeping you wrapped in His arms of comfort and peace. Thank you for your condolences, and may God bless you with all good memories.

      Love, Karen

      Reply
  20. Kathy Wittman June 8, 2021 at 7:56 pm

    Karen, I am so sorry to hear about Dick. I haven’t forgotten about either one of you and have missed you both. I have such wonderful memories of Dick, or as I called him Dad. I hope you find strength in the love that so many people have for you. Wish I was closer to be with you. Much love, Kathy

    Reply
    • Karen Sutton June 10, 2021 at 3:05 pm

      Hello Kathy,
      I had forgotten you called Dick “Dad” and it made me smile. He always enjoyed you and the work you did in Infection Control. Are you still working at that? He had a stroke just before his birthday on April 23rd and was making great progress every day with his therapies. So his death was very sudden and sad for me and all of our family and friends. Yet, I am so thankful God took him home quickly, and although I don’t always understand God’s plan, I know it is a perfect plan and I will see my wonderful husband again someday. I am comforted by that and all the love of family and friends. Thank you for your wonderful words Kathy and I miss you too!

      Love, Karen

      Reply
      • Kathy Wittman June 11, 2021 at 5:14 pm

        Still in IP but now do all the data reporting. Just celebrated my 35th year at Kaweah. You and Dad would be proud to know our CNO selected me for one of her two annual Service Excellence award recipients. I can see you both smiling now. Much love to you Karen.

  21. Tom Johnson June 9, 2021 at 10:50 am

    Karen: Would love to be there to celebrate Dick’s life but I can’t. He will always be remembered by the Kaweah Delta team and fondly so. He was a solid, stable, sensible and a joy to work with. One time Dick and I took his motor home and went to Paso Robles to see what we could buy from the hospital that was going out of business. That’s when I realized he was not just a good Dietary overseer but a good cook also! We purchased some items that may or may not have been useful to our hospital but it was a fun time and he was a great companion. His belief that every day you can choose your attitude was a belief that he lived by and one that will stay with me forever. My sincere condolences to you, Karen, and the entire Sutton family.

    Reply
    • Karen Sutton June 10, 2021 at 3:13 pm

      Hello Tom,
      Thank you for your sweet card and your kind words here – they mean a lot to me. I remember the story of the Paso Robles trip. Dick loved you Tom, first and foremost for your love for Jesus, your leadership of KD and your character. He enjoyed all the bike rides with you and others, especially the Moab trips and staying at the Lazy Lizard Hostel.

      His death was very sudden after progressing every day with his therapies after his stroke. But, I am thankful God took him home quickly, and I know I will be with him again someday. Knowing he is with his Lord he loved so much brings me much comfort and peace; God’s plan is always the Perfect Plan!

      Love and Hugs to you and Betty,
      Karen

      Reply
  22. Lynda Qualls June 9, 2021 at 12:20 pm

    Karen, my heart hurts for your loss. Dick was such a delightful man and I’m sure is rejoicing in the arms of our Lord and Savior.

    Reply
    • Karen Sutton June 10, 2021 at 3:19 pm

      Hello Lynda,
      You are so right Lynda, he IS rejoicing with the Lord he loved so much! That dries my tears giving me much comfort and peace knowing I will be with him again someday. He had a stroke just before his 90th birthday on April 23rd, and was making great daily progress with his therapies, so his death was sudden and God took him home quickly. I will miss him, but I know God’s plan is always the Perfect Plan!

      I hope you are doing well. Are you still living in WA? If so, please email me your address and phone number. Dick’s daughter and family live in Everett and maybe I can see you the next time I visit them.

      Love, Karen

      Reply

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