George Sutton Obituary

George Alfred Sutton

January 1, 1926 – June 23, 2025

George Alfred Sutton, son of Lena (Sternberger) Sutton and Emery L. Sutton, was born on January 1, 1926, in Hardtner, Kansas. He passed away peacefully at Kiowa Manor on June 23, 2025, at the age of 99 years, 5 months, and 22 days.

George attended Eldred Rural Grade School and graduated from Hardtner High School. After graduation, he received a farming deferment during World War II until his brother returned, at which point George proudly entered military service at the age of 19. Following his overseas service, he spent time in Buffalo, Oklahoma, working on his uncle’s farm and then traveled west to Dalhart, Texas taking up employment as a farm hand. When he learned of his father's declining health, George returned to Hardtner, where he remained for the rest of his life.

On August 11, 1951, George was united in marriage with Joan Hinze in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Together they made their home in the Hardtner area, where they raised a family and built a life of hard work, faith, and service. To their union, five children were born: John, Jim, Emily, Tom, and Bill.

George devoted his life to farming and ranching—a true steward of the land who found meaning in every sunrise, every harvest, and every calf born in the spring. He worked the land with quiet strength, raising crops, livestock, and a family with equal care. He found deep peace outdoors, whether walking fence lines, tending to cattle, or casting a line into a quiet pond. Fishing, in particular, was a cherished pastime that allowed him to reflect and connect with the natural world he so deeply loved.

He was a faithful member of St. John's Community Church and a proud member of the Cosmos Masonic Lodge, where he held membership for an extraordinary 75 years. George also participated in the Medicine Lodge Peace Treaty celebration and supported his community in quiet but meaningful ways throughout his life.

George is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joan; his son, Tom; his parents; seven sisters: Lela McElwain, Louis Rebel, Beatrice Sutton, Beulah Venza, Darlene Beatty, Opal Sutton, and infant, Lucille, and two brothers, John and Lloyd.

He is survived by his children: John Sutton (Tammie), Jim Sutton (Mary), Emily Sandberg (Joe), and Bill Sutton (Vicki); eight grandchildren: Amanda, Andrea, Alyssa, Melissa, Brad, Levi, Shelby, and Logan, and ten great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends who were blessed by his presence, his stories, and his unwavering love.

George’s life was one of quiet strength, steadfast values, and a deep connection to the land and people he loved. His legacy endures in every life he touched, every field he tended, and every lesson he passed down with a twinkle in his eye and calloused hands that never quit.

A memorial service for George will be Saturday, June 28. 2025 at 11:00 at Lanman Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Hardtner-Elwood Cemetery with arrangements by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Kiowa. www.lanmanfuneralhome.com Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc.