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Captain David A. Sutton David "Doc" Sutton passed away on Saturday January 9, 2016 at his home. His "big old heart" just gave out. Memorial services were at the Vietnam Memorial Monument, Vietnam Memorial Park, Big Spring, Texas at 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 with fellowship afterwards at the Eagles Lodge, 703 W 3rd St, Big Spring, Texas. David was born on May 11, 1946 in Ranger, Texas to Erma and Howard Sutton. He was active in Ranger participating in Bulldog sports and clubs and received his Eagle Scout Award in March 1964. He graduated from high school in 1964 and was an active member of the Ranger Exes club. At age five, David saw his first airplane and told his family that he would be a pilot one day. Whatever David set out to accomplish, he did. He chose East Texas State University as they included Air Force ROTC in the curriculum. He graduated with his bachelor's in psychology and Spanish in 1968 and completed his master's in 1969. He was assigned to Laredo AFB for pilot training, and he received his wings in 1969. His choice of planes: Caribou C-7A. Good Morning, Vietnam [458th, 1971]. After his tour, he transitioned to the C-141 Starlifter and was stationed at Charleston AFB, SC. He flew around the world and also returned to Vietnam. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and other medals for his service in Vietnam. Peacetime military, he worked as base counselor and elected to pursue his Ph.D. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with his degree in counseling psychology. He moved to Big Spring in 1976 and initially was employed at the Big Spring State Hospital and then to our VA where he helped countless veterans; he was dedicated to helping his fellow veterans. For years David went every workday to the YMCA and continued after retirement, and afterwards, in later years, he enjoyed an occasional stop at a local bar for a Coors and Tequila shot! He is survived by his beloved and loving family: wife, Anita Morales; children, son, Jon Sutton of Denver, Colo.; three daughters, Brandi and Greg Cook and Samantha and Chad Speir of Greenville, Texas, and Elizabeth and Travis Hiltbrunner of Wylie, Texas; sisters, Sharon and Harold Rogers and Beverly Sutton; brothers, Tomas and Socorro Sutton and Terry and Jane Sutton; special sister-in-law, Dora Morales; grandchildren, Abby, Emma, Mikayla Cook and Henley Speir, cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by special lifetime friends/brothers, Jimmy Dunn, Mark Nicholas, Raymond Henley and Jon Hawley and his longtime amigos, Larry and Bobby Webb, Byron Gressett, David Nichols, Randy Robinson and Frank Graham. The family would like to give special acknowledgement to members of the Eagles Lodge and the Crossroads Saloon. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Corene Davis, brothers-in-law Buck Davis and CJ Parsons; his pet family members, Maddie and Hamlet and his beloved boxer Charlie who accompanied him everywhere in his retirement. David was one of a kind, bigger than life, and he did it in his own special way. He never met a stranger, was always willing to lend a helping hand or dollar or listen to your problems. He was a true Texan and cherished his Choctaw heritage. He enjoyed watching the sunset and gazing at the stars and the moon. He loved traveling, music & dancing, history, the Cook Islands, the Green Bay Packers and the Red Raiders and especially spending time with family and friends. He had a wonderful smile and gave the best hugs. David will always be with us and we love you beaucoup! In lieu of flowers the Family suggests memorials to: Vietnam Memorial Committee, PO 2854, Big Spring, TX or the FOE 3188, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Big Spring TX. |
