Robert King Sutton

Robert King Sutton, 71, died Nov. 23, 2004, of heart failure, at his home in Palmer.

A service was held Saturdayat the Palmer Moose Lodge, from 1-4 p.m.

Mr. Sutton was born Dec. 30, 1932, in Celina, Ohio. He graduated from Eugene High School in 1950.

Mr. Sutton enlisted in the Navy in 1950, then re-enlisted in the Army that same year and was sent to the Korean Conflict. He attained the rank of corporal and was awarded the Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Star.

He began his Alaska residency in April 1965, and lived in Anchorage from then until 1967. Mr. Sutton moved to Palmer in 1968 and remained a resident of Palmer until his death.

Mr. Sutton was a civil service painter. From 1965-1967, he worked at the Army Corps of Engineers on Elmendorf Air Force Base. From 1967-1981, he worked as a painter for the facilities engineer at Fort Richardson. He retired from civil service at Fort Richardson in 1981.

Mr. Sutton was a life member of the VFW Post 9365 in Wasilla, life member of the Elks Lodge #1842 in Palmer, member of the Moose Lodge #793 in Palmer for 28 years, member of Pioneers of Alaska Igloo #31 and an National Rifle Association member.

He was a member of the U.S. Horse Cavalry Association since 1953. He enjoyed collecting cavalry memorabilia and rode in Palmer parades.

His loved ones wrote, "Bob loved his family, friends, and his community. He greeted everyone with a smile. He was proud of his service to his country and proud to be an Alaskan."

Mr. Sutton is survived by his mother, Frances Gaynelle Sutton of Kalama, Wash.; brother, Jerrold H. Sutton of Kalama, Wash.; son and daughter-in-law, David and Marcy Sutton of Palmer and a granddaughter, Jenna Joy Sutton of Palmer.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jacqueline Joy Sutton.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests memorial donations be sent to HC-5 Box 9830, Palmer, AK 99645-9511.

His family will scatter his ashes sometime in the spring at Meirs Lake, near his home.

Arrangements were made by Kehl's Palmer Mortuary.