Richard Lee "Rich" Sutton, 89 years old, passed away peacefully at Bickford Memory Care Cottage on October 6, 2024 at 12:30 am after a brave battle with Alzheimer’s. He was surrounded by family. He was born on January 17, 1935, a son of Richard A. Sutton and Ethel R. (Jones) Sutton.
Rich married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Phyllis "Kay" Lamport on June 30, 1956. They met in the band at Manual High School in Peoria. She survives.
Rich is also survived by his son, Scott (Marlys) Sutton; his daughter, Julie (Dennis) Krause; four grandchildren, Melissa (Luke) Herbst, Zachary Krause, Sean (Jiya) Sutton and Janae; his brothers, Kenny (Linda) Sutton, Ralph (Lynda) Sutton; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Don Sutton.
Rich served his country in the United States Navy Reserve.
He worked at Caterpillar for 42 years, working his way from an apprentice to a design engineer.
Rich served on several boards including, Peoria Public Library, Peoria District 150 Schools, Youth For Christ and Southside Manor. He also served as a past council member for the City of Peoria.
He loved his church family at Fellowship Bible Church and served there as a deacon, youth group leader, mission board chairman as well as many other volunteer roles.
Rich's funeral service will be at 11:00 am Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Fellowship Bible Church in Peoria. His visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am also on Saturday at his church. Burial will be in Lutheran Cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Youth For Christ at https://yfc.net/give/ or Fellowship Bible Church at https://fbcpi.org/give
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria.
Online condolences may be shared with Rich's family at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com
