THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, February 15, 1995 TAG: 9502150383
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B6 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines
Robert William Sutton, ``Red'' or ``Bob,'' 76, of Norfolk, an industrialist, died Monday, Feb. 13, 1995 at 8:54 a.m. after a courageous battle with pancreatic and liver cancer at home surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Sutton was born in Norfolk, Va., on March 8, 1918, and was a lifelong resident of the city. He was preceded in death by his parents, Porter Odry and Margaret Lorine Crocker Sutton, his two brothers, Porter Odry Sutton Jr. and James Thomas ``Mickey'' Sutton, who was vice president of Sutton Manufacturing Corp., and his sister, Margaret Alvertie Sutton. His grandparents were James E. ``Mack'' and Alvertie M. Queen Sutton. Alvertie was founder of Electric Machine Co., which later became Sutton Electric Co. Other grandparents were Rufus Webb and Annie Lee McClannan Crocker.
He was a 1936 graduate of Maury High School. Working with motors from childhood, engineering training and a lifetime interest in motors and mechanical systems led to his founding of Sutton Manufacturing Corporation where he was owner and president. He designed all the products that were manufactured including blowers, bilge pumps, D.C. motors and fans. Some of these were utilized for all landing crafts in World War II. His windshield wipers were used exclusively by the U.S. Coast Guard. The products were used by companies worldwide. In addition, he was a consulting engineer for air movement or water movement applications.
Mr. Sutton was formerly a volunteer fireman for Chesapeake Beach and was president of the Men's Club of Chesapeake Beach. He pursued varied interests throughout life. He had been an actor and Board of Director member of the Little Theater of Norfolk. He was past president of the Shriners Golf Club. He had also been past director of the Norfolk Jaycees and state chairman of the Jaycees. Memberships had included the Cavalier Yacht and Country Club, Cavalier Beach Club, Norfolk Yacht and Country Club, Circus Saints and Sinners-Charles H. Consolvo Tent, Sertoma Club and Leica Historical Society. He had received numerous photography awards and produced a series of abstract paintings.
Mr. Sutton was a member of Ruth Lodge (NU)89, AF & AM; Scottish Rite; Khedive Temple; emeritus member of the Drum & Bugle Corps and past leader of the Drum section; and a 32nd degree Mason. He was a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Nancy Chester Sustare Sutton; two daughters, Nancy Townsend Sutton-Nowlan and her husband, Thomas Wayne Nowlan of Suffolk, Carol Lorraine Sutton and her husband, Andre J. Lucian Fauteux of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and a son, Robert Porter Sutton and wife, Marcia Ilene Shipp Sutton of Dunedin, Fla.; his brother, Emerson Milton Sutton and wife, Betty Callum Sutton of Norfolk; his sister-in-law, Dorothy Thrasher Sutton (Mrs. James T. Sutton) of Virginia Beach; his grandchildren, Amy Elizabeth Sutton Ohmes and husband, Anthony Glenn Ohmes of Mayport, Fla., Eric Townsend Sutton of Richmond, Margot Elaine Nowlan of Suffolk, Viva Laura Sutton-Fauteux and Yale Quentin Sutton-Fauteux, both of Toronto, Ontario; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Tidewater Drive Chapel, with the Rev. Carl LeMon officiating. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday evening. Masonic rites will be accorded at the funeral home by Ruth Lodge (NU)89 following the funeral. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in the name of R.W. Sutton to Ruth Lodge (NU)89 (Granby Street), Shriners Hospital for Children, Maryview Wellspring Hospice (398-2338), and Children's Art and Music Fund, c/o Ebenezer United Methodist Church, Carl LeMon (238-2359). ILLUSTRATION: Photo
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB