DAVID "DOC" SUTTON, 69, of Big Spring, TX,
passed away on Jan. 9, 2016 at his home. His "big
old heart" just gave out. Interment was at the
Vietnam Memorial Monument, Vietnam Memorial Park,
Big Spring, TX.
David was born on May 11, 1946 in Ranger, TX to
Erma & Howard Sutton. He was active in Ranger
High School participating in Bulldog sports and
clubs & received his Eagle Scout Award in March
1964. He graduated from Ranger High School in
1964 and was an active member of the Ranger Exes
club. At age five, David saw his first airplane
and told his family that he would be a pilot one
day. Whatever David set out to accomplish, he did.
He chose East Texas State University as they
included Air Force ROTC in the curriculum. He
graduated with his bachelor's in psychology and
Spanish in 1968 and completed his master's in 1969.
He was assigned to Laredo AFB for pilot training,
and he received his wings in 1969. His choice of
planes: Caribou C7A. Good Morning, Vietnam. After
his tour, he transitioned to C-141 Starlifter and
was stationed at Charleston AFB, SC. He flew around
the world and also returned to Vietnam. He was
awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and other
medals for his service in Vietnam. Peacetime military,
he worked as base counselor and elected to pursue
his Ph.D. He graduated from the University of
Southern Mississippi with his degree in counseling
psychology. He moved to Big Spring in 1976 and
initially was employed at the Big Spring State
Hospital & then to our VA where he helped countless
veterans; he was dedicated to helping his fellow
veterans. For years David went every workday to the
YMCA and continued after retirement, and afterwards,
in later years, he enjoyed an occasional stop at a
local bar for a Coors and Tequila shot!
He is survived by his beloved and loving family:
wife, Anita Morales; children, son, Jon Sutton of
Denver, CO; three daughters, Brandi and Greg Cook
and Samantha and Chad Speir of Greenville, TX, and
Elizabeth and Travis Hiltbrunner of Wylie, TX;
sisters, Sharon Sutton Rogers (RHS-1961) & Harold
Rogers and Beverly Sutton; brothers, Tom Sutton
(RHS-1956) & Socorro Sutton and Terry Sutton (RHS-
1966) & Jane Sutton; special sister-in-law, Dora
Morales; grandchildren, Abby, Emma, Mikayla Cook
and Henley Speir, cousins, nieces and nephews. He
is also survived by special lifetime friends/brothers,
Jimmy Dunn, Mark Nicholas, Raymond Henley and Jon
Hawley and his longtime amigos, Larry and Bobby
Webb, Byron Gressett, David Nichols, Randy Robinson
and Frank Graham. The family would like to give
special acknowledgement to members of the Eagles
Lodge and the Crossroads Saloon.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister
Corene Sutton Davis (RHS-1958), brothers-in-law
Buck Davis and CJ Parsons; his pet family members,
Maddie & Hamlet and his beloved boxer Charlie who
accompanied him everywhere in his retirement.
David was one of a kind, bigger than life, and he
did it in his own special way. He never met a
stranger, was always willing to lend a helping
hand or dollar or listen to your problems. He was
a true Texan and cherished his Choctaw heritage.
He enjoyed watching the sunset and gazing at the
stars and the moon. He loved traveling, music &
dancing, history, the Cook Islands, the Green Bay
Packers and the Red Raiders and especially spending
time with family and friends. He had a wonderful
smile and gave the best hugs. David will always be
with us and we love you beaucoupe!