Vernon Carlyle Sutton died on March 26, 2022 surrounded by his family at his home in Hermiston at the age of 91.
He was born on Sept. 16, 1930 in Rainier to Lester and Stella Sutton.
His family moved to Stanfield when he was a young child. In high school, he was a standout in football and baseball and was a member of the National Guard. Vernon was united in marriage to Gloria Belles on Feb. 24, 1951. He then served four years in the United States Air Force until his honorable discharge. Vernon returned home and worked in construction for many years in Portland and later owned and operated two restaurants. After retiring, he worked part time in the maintenance department of a retirement community.
Vernon remained active well into his late ‘80s, enjoying gardening, walking daily for exercise, and volunteering at church and the senior center. He was an avid Oregon Duck and Stanfield Tigers fan and was a self-described “different breed of cat.” He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.
He is survived by his children, Susan Sutton, East Marion, N.Y., Stanley Sutton, Vancouver, Wash. and Robert (Kim) Sutton, San Diego, Calif.; siblings, Aaron (Donna) Sutton, Stanfield, Beverly (Ben) Schott, Olympia, Wash., Jean Davies, La Grande, Gary (Frankie) Sutton, Fremont, Neb. and Maurine Hansen, Richland, Wash.; six grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Vernon was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Gloria; a son, Carey; his parents; and four siblings, Ina, Iva, Cecil and Elroy.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at 1 p.m. at the First Christian Church, Hermiston.
A private burial will be held at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please share memories of Vernon with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
