Donald Dale Sutton

Donald Dale Sutton, 94, of Chanute, passed away on September 17, 2025, at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. Don was born on Feb. 7, 1931, in Salina, KS. He was the second of six sons born to Samuel Donald and Mary Ellen (Everhart) Sutton. He grew up working for area farmers around Gypsum and graduated from Gypsum High School in 1949.

In 1950, he began his career with the Union Pacific Railroad in Salina, KS. After a few years, he transferred to Kansas City, KS, where he retired as a conductor after 42 years with Union Pacific. When at home, in the house he and his father built, Don was always busy and could repair almost anything. He enjoyed building and restoring boats, water and, snow skiing, fishing, and hunting. Fun was had traveling the country with Shirley in their Airstream camper.

Don was an active member and officer in several organizations: United Transportation Union, Union Pacific Railroad Junior Old Timers Club, and the Airstream Club International. He was also a member of the United Methodist Church of Chanute and a long-time member of the Masons, Scottish Rites, and Abdallah Shriners.

Don is survived by his wife of 73 years, Shirley Yvonne (Johnson); son, James (Debra) Sutton of Tonganoxie, and daughter, Janice (Edwin) Wilcox of Chanute. He dearly loved his grandchildren: Adam (Sarah) Wilcox of Chanute, Dr. Samuel (Elizabeth) Wilcox of Iola, and Ali Wilcox of the Netherlands. Step grandsons, Jonathan Schaber and Matthew Schaber. Great-grandchildren, Shirley, Jordan, Ezra, Sutton, and Isla. Step great-grandsons Mason Schaber and Matthew Jr. Schaber. Also, brothers, William (Loretta) of Durham and Dwayne (Barbara) of Alba, TX. Many nephews, nieces, and cousins will miss his smiles, laughs, and stories.

Preceding him in death were an infant brother, his parents, and brothers Dwight & Harold and Harold’s wife Jean.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Avenue of Flags of Chanute, in loving memory of Don, and can be left with or mailed to the funeral home.

Don will be laid to rest in Shawnee Mission Memory Garden.

Services are under the personal care of Wickham Family Funeral Home, 500 North Forest Ave. Chanute, Kansas 66720.