William Elmer Sutton

William Elmer Sutton was born October 4, 1915, at Agricola, Kansas. He was the son of William S. and Cora Florence (Vanderslice) Sutton. He grew up in Agricola, Homewood, and Williamsburg, Kansas, moving to Princeton, in Franklin County, Kansas in 1945, where he made his home until his death Wednesday, March 27, 2002, at the age of eighty-six years. He attended school in Williamsburg. He was a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service for 34 years, retiring in 1983. Elmer served in the United States Army during World War II. He entered the Army on July 3, 1941, and went to Northern Ireland in June of 1942. He went from there to England, then to the North African Invasion. He was in the first group of tanks to engage the enemy at Faid Pass, Casserine Pass, and to enter Rome. In his 33 months in North Africa and Italy, he had five tanks shot out from under him. He was wounded twice, first at Anzio and later in Northern Italy. He was the first Franklin County soldier honorably discharged on the point system. He was a member of United Methodist Church of Princeton, Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #6397, Garnett, and Aerie Lodge #2700, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Ottawa. He enjoyed going to steam engine shows and, in fact, built a miniature steam engine in 1975. He also enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting, gardening and caring for his honey bees. Most important to Elmer were his wife, children, grandchildren, and many friends - visiting with them, always telling interesting stories. On March 25, 1945, Elmer was united in marriage with Laura June Hetzel at her parent`s home south of Princeton. She survives of their home. Also, surviving are two sons, John Sutton, Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida, Joe Bill Sutton and his wife, Karen, of Rantoul; three daughters, June Erisman and her husband, Bob, of Ottawa, Judy Wiederholt of Princeton, Joanne Casida and her husband, David of Coulterville, Illinois; twelve grandchildren; and, eleven great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Pearl Reeder and Hazel Hollon, and infant sister, Elsie Sutton. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2002, with military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #5901, Ottawa. OFFICIATING CLERGY: Rev. Jerry Harnden. IN STATE: Mr. Sutton will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 1:00 p.m. Friday to the service hour, where the family will meet with friends 7 to 8:00 Friday evening. CEMETERY: Princeton Cemetery, Princeton, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to American Parkinson`s Disease Association, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.