Robert (Bob) Thomas Sutton passed away at home in Burns Flat Jan. 12, 2019, at the age of 89. Robert was born in Kuttawa, Ky., Dec. 16, 1929, to William Thomas and Nellie Elizabeth (Ogilvie) Sutton.
After Robert graduated from high school in Diehlstadt, Miss. in 1947, he joined his father in highway construction, working in Missouri, Illinois, Texas, and Arkansas.
Robert met his wife of 60 years, Edra Jarrell, in December 1957 in Dexter, Mo., while attending a wedding. At that time, they both were working in California, and after a short courtship were married in Modesto, Cali., April 20, 1958. Two children were born to this union, Elaine Marie and Thomas Raymond. Robert continued working as a highway construction foreman until 1967 when he began employment with Woodmen of the World as an insurance agent. Later that year, Robert was baptized into Christ in Marion, Ill.
Robert had an avid interest in photography and art and subsequently, enrolled in college at Southeast Missouri State University in 1973 and graduated with honors in 1976 with a degree in Art Education. In 1981, Robert and Edra moved to Oklahoma where Robert ran heavy equipment for Hodges and suffered injuries when his equipment hit an unmarked gas line. After several months of recovery, he returned to work for Hodges. In 1986, he and Edra moved to Wichita Falls, Texas to work in the Wichita Falls Public Schools until their retirement in 1996.
After retirement, Bob and Edra returned to live in Burns Flat, where they could be an important part of their grandsons’ lives. Robert was a member of the Church of Christ at Burns Flat.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Emily Francis Street. He is survived by his beloved wife, Edra, of the home; daughter, Elaine Loftiss and husband, Jeff of Dill City; son, Thomas Sutton of Wichita Falls, Texas; brother Paul Sutton of Marion, Ill.; three grandsons; two great-granddaughters; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service was held Saturday, Jan. 19,2019, at the Church of Christ in Burns Flat.