Obituary of David E. Sutton

David Sutton, 87, of Jasper NY, passed away at his home Friday, October 18th 2024, surrounded by his niece Dawn and her husband Rick Petteys. David Edward Sutton was born to Stanley H. Sutton and Inez M. Sutton (Saxton) on August 1st 1937 at the family home in Cameron NY. He was the last baby born to a family of five siblings. David joined his brothers, Richard (Maryetta), Ronald (Carolyn), Harry (Beverly), Lawerance (passed as infant) and his sister Joyce (Frank) Wargo. David grew up on top of the Auger Hill in Jasper, at the Sky Top Farm with his parents working as dairy farmers along with his siblings. Growing up Dave enjoyed school enough that he chose the same career path as his mother, a school teacher. Once Graduate from Jasper Central School in 1954, he traveled out to Missouri for college to get a degree in Math. After receiving his certification, David made his way to Hawaii and taught there for 2 years. Once back on the main land, Dave took time off from teaching to go back to farming. David raised sheep and Guernsey cattle on the family farm of Sky Top for 20 years. David traveled to Kansas to teach and then back to his college in Missouri to teach a time there. In 1987 David received his Master in Science. David taught in Cazenovia NY, Wellsville at the Catholic School and then spent his final teaching years teaching at Campbell Savona School, receiving Teacher Of The Year before retiring. Outside of school David loved to work in his garden and push mow his lawn to the up most perfection. People often sighted Dave in his pond keeping the water clear of any debris, with a honk and wave, Dave would make way to the house in his “swim wear”. Once done teaching and molding the minds of the students, David took to his garden where many beautiful Gladiolus, Dahlias and Tulips would bloom each year. Inside on the kitchen table, you would find a catalog of plants and bulbs, which one would dare to say he almost had grown each one in those catalogs! His house would be filled with beautiful breath taking floral arrangements from his garden and his family would be so blessed to receive a vase full from time to time to enjoy in their own homes. To receive an invitation to sit at Dave’s dining table was way more precious and honoring than that of an invitation from Martha Stewart! The food was always beyond words and to quote David’s Sister-In-Law, Maryetta, “I’m full as a Tick!” But as most failed to do was to keep room for David’s desserts!! He couldn’t just serve you ice cream, he had to set that on fire! No store bought ice cream to go with your melt in the mouth pies, it was homemade coconut ice cream to cool you down and have you dreaming about it for days. Dave kept the Saxton/Sutton Family Reunion going for many years. While most dreaded family reunions, we looked forward to Dave’s. Table after Table of savory and sweets, it was all there! Walks in the garden, family history chats, and laughter, all because of Dave’s devotion to keep the tradition alive. A few years we would find “new family members” bellied up to the table, which would have turned out to be past students of Dave’s. The number students that kept in touch with “Mr. Sutton” years after graduation is amazing. From emails to birthday cards and most times a quick visit to his home, Dave’s students continued to be a big part of his life. This alone shows the importance of a good teacher and the effects on young adults. David’s family would like to thank Bill Vanskiver for all the coffee talks and check ins that he did for many years, we can’t thank you enough. Also the family would like to thank Judy Smith and Brian Irvine for their friendship with Dave and their support towards the end. Thank you to all the friends that stopped in and spent time with Dave and shared memories with his family. It’s truly wonderful to know how many people this man meant so much to. David Sutton is proceeded in death by Stanley and Inez (parents), Richard and Maryetta Sutton (brother and sister-in-law), Ronald Sutton (brother), Harry Sutton (brother), Lawerance Sutton (brother). David will be greatly missed by his many nieces and nephews, along with his great nieces, great nephews and their children. Per David’s request, no calling hours or service will take place. Arrangements are in care of H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.