Eugene Sutton

There are so many ways to describe Gene - loyal, dedicated, honest, responsible but most importantly he was a great dad and great husband. While Gene was the epitome of a professional business man he was also know for his wonderful, dry sense of humor who had perfected the "eye roll". He wasn't a man to sit on the sidelines but he stood in line with his children for every ride at the theme parks, body surfed with the best of them, snowball fights in the mountains and water skied off ski jumps for fun.

Gene grew up during the Great Depression and the values instilled in him during that time stayed with him to the very end. He was one of those unique individuals who recognized when someone could use a helping hand and did so in very subtle ways.

He began working at age 13 on a neighbors farm to help that family while also working with his father around their homestead. His ambition was evident from a very young age. By the time he was 15 he had his own landscaping business, had purchased the equipment for the business, acquired his first car and bought a 1936 Harley Davidson!

This trend continued through his teenage years as his business kept expanding while going to school and playing sports. Gene loved basketball and was definitely a team player. He knew the value of working together for the greater good of the team and was a strategic player. A good player also knows how to out play their opponent and "help" them make errors. This resulted in many, many free throws during his basketball days!

After high school he elected to continue his business and postpone college for a couple years. College didn't become a reality until 6 years later because as fate would have it he met his first love Noma Pitcher in November 1948 and they married 1 year later. They began a family and had 1 boy and 3 girls over the next 12 years.

Gene changed careers and was offered a position that would expand his responsibilities. He accepted a transfer which increased his financial position with many great opportunities and adventures. On June 12th, 1962 the Sutton family moved to Southern California. Needless to say all adapted nicely to the sand, surf, sunshine and Disneyland! Over the years there were many family vacations exploring all that California had to offer as well as visiting family across the United States.

His career continued to expand which included more promotions, more relocations, more opportunities and challenges. With each move one of the children would stay behind to either start their own career or family.

Gene and Noma were finally able to start a life as empty nesters and had a great time traveling, built their first home, won neighborhood awards for landscaping their new house (we said he was a ringer) and just had time to reconnect as best friends and spouses. They also had great fun with the grandchildren who entered the picture and it was a fulfilling time.

Sadly in 1983 his wife Noma was diagnosed with lung cancer and passed away June 10th, 1986 after a courageous battle. They had been married for 37 wonderful years.

Gene became very focused on his work in order to regroup. For a second time fate appeared and he received an invitation to his 40th high school reunion. Perfect opportunity to see his many lifelong friends and classmates which included a classmate named Nancy Chapel. The rest is history as they say and they married in November 1987.

Nancy and Gene moved to Vista, California where he worked until retiring in 2000 at the age of 72. They had a great time traveling to visit friends and family as well as international locations. He felt very fortunate to have a second chance at life with Nancy and blessed to be married for 30 years to Nancy.

Over the years, more grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren entered the picture. While the family is spread across many states they always made it a point to visit and stay connected with everyone. The one thing that all the children and grandchildren agree, whether you called him dad, pops, grandpa or papa is that his sense of humor was the best!

Over the past few years things became a bit more challenging which is to be expected in your late 80's but he was a trooper. Gene never lost his ability to "roll his eyes" with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. His values never changed. Gene was a responsible, patient, caring individual who appreciated and took care of everything he had. His ability to grow the most impressive fruit trees was life long and the last blooming of his peach tree was the most beautiful ever - what a fitting tribute.

While our memories and experiences might be different we can all agree we're better people for having had Gene in our lives. We thank you for being a GREAT dad, a GREAT husband and a GREAT friend! You're already missed but know you're saving us a place and can't wait to see your classic "eye roll" one more time. We love you!

Eugene is survived by his spouse of 30 years, Nancy Louise Chapel; son Eugene Donald Sutton; and daughter Constance Ruth Sutton.

Eugene was preceded in death by; wife Noma Lou Pitcher; daughter Pamela Lee Sutton; daughter Nora Jean Sutton; sister Lillis Marion Sutton; sister Evelyn Sutton; sister Patricia Jane Sutton, brother William T Sutton; brother Earle T Sutton Jr; and father Earle Thomas Sutton and mother Ethel Marion Fetterly.

A celebration of life for Eugene will be held Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Eternal Hills Mortuary Chapel, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, California 92054. An inturnment will occur at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, California 92054.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eternalhillsmortuary.com for the Sutton family.