Donald James Sutton died peacefully Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at his residence 205 West McPherson St., Findlay, Ohio. Don was born November 16, 1931 to Ruth Anderson Sutton and Robert L. Sutton; he was raised in Findlay.[private] Don attended Oberlin College and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. 
He served in the Air Force and was a jet pilot instructor. In addition, Don was also a Physical Education Instructor and Lacrosse Coach at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Don ended his military career as a pilot of C97’s and C130’s at Stratton Air Force Base in Schenectady, NY.
Don was an avid singer/tenor soloist and appeared on several television shows including the Ed Sullivan Show. He sang for President Eisenhower at his Inaugural Ball and for the movie “The Long Gray Line”. He was a member of the Mendelson Club of Albany. He was a member of the Hoosick Falls Central School Board, and for a time ran its meetings.
He was predeceased by his daughter Leslie Susan Sutton and his nephew Preston Sutton.
Don is survived by his current wife Jill Cole Sutton, his former wife Valerie English, his children Lynn P. Sutton, D. James Sutton Jr. (Ruth), Cynthia Sutton Brewster (Michael), David Anderson Sutton (Amy), his twelve grandchildren James, Caitlin, Christiana, Stephen, Stephanie, Taylor, Michael, Connor, Zachary, Matthew, Levi, Summer, his great-granddaughter Maya, his brothers John and Robert, his sister Ruth Ann Lawrence-Letzring and several nieces and nephews. Don is also survived by Jonathon Thomas, a fine young Findlay man whom Don was “big brother” to and of whom he was proud.
Don’s entire family is indebted to Don’s wife Jill for the happiness and love she brought him as well as for the loving care she provided.
His funeral was held November 7 at The Journey at Christ Church in Findlay, Ohio. He was buried at Maple Grove Cemetery in Findlay, Ohio. Per his request, no flowers or donations. Be Kind, Be Honest, Do Good.[/private]