Rodney Keith Sutton

Rodney Keith Sutton was born to Veda May and Milton Earl Sutton in Fresno, CA on October 8, 1933 and died of natural causes on July 19, 2022. Many of the pastimes of his youth he still enjoyed in old age, including motorcycles and singing. Working as an ice guard at the Fresno Ice Arena during his teens, he met and married Gail Lee Patnott, and they had two children, Georgiana (Donavin) and the late Keith Evan Sutton. Rod and Gail raised a family that took education and worship seriously; for fun, they ice skated in winter and swam in Shaver Lake near the family cabin during the summer. In all the houses where the Suttons lived—and they were many because his employment often relocated him—Rod’s beautiful landscaping, including brick retaining walls, tiered gardens, and water fountains, made for an inviting and colorful home.

Rod devoted his entire career to the telecommunications industry that is now AT&T during the age of loyal "company men." During the 1960s, AT&T had a policy of introducing employees to different aspects of the business, so he had opportunities in sales, computer programming, internal education pertaining to civil rights, media instruction design, and other offices of "Ma Bell." Rod was an especially dedicated teacher.

During his 50s, Rod's life changed dramatically when he retired, divorced, and married Esther Miller, the love of his life. At this point, Rod settled near Sacramento for good, eventually purchasing property for a dream home in Pilot Hill. Rod and Esther became a musical couple par excellence, singing together both at home and at their church. It is in this second marriage that Rod met his other children: Bill, Brian, and Barry Miller (and their lovely wives and children). Rod and Esther cherished their family and relished holidays during which all would play a musical instrument or sing. With Esther's love and support, Rod survived a heart transplant and the many illnesses that proceeded from immunosuppressant medications. They continued to enjoy the inspiring view from their home in Pilot Hill, though Rod chafed at disabilities that kept him from masonry, gardening, or other home improvements.

After Esther's death, Rod was fortunate to meet a loyal and loving companion in Pam Walton, who shared his faith and devotion to family. We are so grateful for Pam's unfailing care in Rod’s last years and for the support provided by her children and grandchildren, especially Stacie, Linde, Chris, and Brandon. In addition, we want to thank Rod’s team of doctors, in particular UC cardiology and oncology units, and Snowline Hospice. Rod is survived by his brother, Don, and the nieces and nephews of the Sutton clan; by Pam; by his children--Georgiana Donavin (Robert King), Faye Sutton (wife of Rod’s late son, Keith), Bill (Debbie), Brian (Wendy) and Barry (Michele) Miller--and by all the adored grandchildren. A private graveside service will take place at Mount Vernon Mortuary, and a celebration of life will happen at Park Community Church in October.