Leonard "Ray" Sutton

Leonard Ray Sutton was born September 3, 1939, in Rat, Missouri. He was one of five children born to Homer Earnest and Lillian Alaine (Conley) Sutton. Ray grew up in Big Creek, Missouri and graduated from Bunker High School. On June 4, 1966, Ray was united in marriage to the love of his life, Joan Frances Gollaher. They shared fifty-seven years of marriage together creating many lasting memories. Ray and Joan were blessed with three children: Richard, Donald, and Susan. Ray taught his children the value of hard work and always strived to provide the best life for his family. He started his working career with McDonnell Douglas Aircraft and retired from the Mines at Doe Run. He was an honest hardworking man dedicated to his family. He cherished spending time with his grandchildren and treasured his great-grandchildren. Ray enjoyed tending to his garden and loved to share his bounty with his neighbors. He enjoyed boating and crappie fishing, especially on Bluford Lake. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals Fan and never missed a game. Ray was a man of great faith with a true love for the Lord. He faithfully attended Salem Full Gospel Church while his health allowed. Ray was a member of Sugar Tree Grove Baptist, Bunker, Missouri where he helped build the original church building. Ray entered his heavenly home February 18, 2024, in Salem, Missouri, at the age of eighty-four years. Those left behind to treasure his memory include his loving wife: Joan Sutton of Salem, MO; children: Rich Sutton and wife Chandra of Salem, MO, Don Sutton and wife Serenia of Bunker, MO, and Suzy Heinemann and husband Bart of Georgetown, IN; brother: Harold Sutton and wife Sue of Ravenden Springs, AR; grandchildren: Rebekah Nichols and husband Tyler, Jordan Sutton and wife Jessica, Elizabeth Sutton, Lindsay Sutton, Luke Heinemann and fiancé Kati, David Heinemann, and Daniel Sutton; great-grandchildren: Elias Dean Nichols and Bonny Laine Sutton; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding him in death were his parents: Homer and Lillian Sutton, brother: Emery Sutton, and sisters: Mayo Conklin and Ruth Gollaher. Ray was a loving, gentle, kind, helpful, and humble man. He will be remembered for his unwavering faith and compassionate nature. His legacy will continue to inspire those who loved him most. Ray will be forever missed. Funeral Services for Leonard Ray Sutton were held Friday, February 23, 2024, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Bill Stack officiating. Special Music was provided by Sheri Stack singing “In The Garden” and “Beulah Land”. Additional song selection played was “Hymn of Heaven”. Serving as Pallbearers were Jason Gollaher, Donnie Cochran, Tyler Nichols, Chris Sutton, Daniel Sutton, Luke Heinemann, Bart Heinemann, and Tracy Gollaher. Honorary Pallbearers were Jordan Sutton and David Heinemann. Burial was in the Polk Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Ray Sutton to Polk Memorial Cemetery and left with Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available. Condolences may be left online at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Leonard "Ray" Sutton

September 3, 1939 - February 18, 2024