Michael Dean Sutton

Michael Dean Sutton of Willis, Texas lost his life to cancer and passed away on June 29, 2008.

Mike was born in Tonasket on Jan. 4, 1945 to Wesley and Katherin (Sherling) Sutton. His early years were spent in the beautiful Okanogan Highlands where he started school in Molson. As the family moved, he later attended schools in Oroville, then Almira and graduated from Grand Coulee in 1963. He worked on ranches, in logging and on construction at Wells Dam before entering the military in 1965. He retired as a communications specialist for the U.S. Army after 25 years.

Mike married Carolyn Henke in 1964 and later while stationed in Germany married Gerda Benzel and adopted her five children: Fritz, Perry, Stanley, Virginia and Jerry. Following his retirement he remained in Germany and married Irene Schmitt and together they owned and operated a (guesthouse) gasthaus until they returned to the U.S. in 1994. They settled in Texas near Huston where he owned his own company for erosion control. He was a hard worker, admired by his peers for dedication to the job at hand and was a kind and generously giving person. He enjoyed each day and found happiness in the joys of his families. Blue skies, mountains and a good horse to ride, plus family to share them with gave him great pleasure.

Mike is survived by his wife, Irene; children Eric and Tamera, all of Willis, Texas; his mother, Katherin (Sutton) Tracy; sister, Sharron Cox and husband Geral of Tonasket; brother, Steve Sutton and wife Marsha of Ephrata and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Michael Sutton; son Stanley; brother, Danny; and father, Wesley “Bill” Sutton.

Private memorial services are being held at the Houston Veteran’s Cemetery with military honors.