Arlen Darrel Sutton, 88, passed away peacefully Monday, April 13, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Darrel was born to Tommy and Lillie (Grover) Sutton on May 23, 1931 on a farm south of Speed, Kansas. He was raised in a farming community and grew up with a strong mid-western work ethic of always helping friends, family and neighbors.
After graduating from Stockton High School, in Stockton, Kansas, in 1949, Darrel joined the United States Navy in 1950. During the Korean War, he served on the USS Whiteside AKA 90, Attack Cargo Ship, and the USS Newport News CA-148, Des Moines Class Heavy Cruiser. It was there that he served as a refrigeration mechanic. He received an Honorable Discharge from the US Navy in 1954.
After returning from service, he worked in the heating & air and sheet metal industries in Kansas, Iowa and Missouri.
In 1970, he made a brave career leap and changed his occupation. He became a traveling salesman, selling vacuums door to door around the state of Kansas. Realizing this was a difficult transition, Darrel then began working out of a shop on South Broadway, AAA Airway Vacuum in Salina. He eventually opened his own successful vacuum and sewing machine business a few doors down and renamed it Sutton’s Shoppe. Darrel’s outgoing personality made it the perfect career fit, setting outstanding sales records, which fulfilled one of his greatest lifetime goals.
Darrel was actively involved as a Mason York Rite, the Scottish Rite (Knights Commander of the Court of Honor (KCCH)) and a member of the ISIS Shrine. He became an ISIS Shrine Clown and President of the ISIS Shrine Clowns in 1977 and earned the prestigious position of ISIS Temple Potentate in 1983. Much of Darrel’s involvement with the Shriner’s was spent working with the Shriner’s Burn and Crippled Children’s Organization for children located in Houston and Galveston, Texas, and Mexico. Other organizational memberships included the Cross of Constantine/York Rite of Salina, Loyal Order of the Moose, Elks Lodge #1675, VFW Post #1432 in Salina, Russell Shrine Club, Abilene Elks, Wagon Master for the Nomads, Nomad Shrine in McAllen, TX, and the American Legion Post #93 in Mission, TX.
After retirement in the early 90’s, Darrel and his wife Ardis traveled extensively by RV in the United States. They saw all 50 states, as well as several countries abroad. Darrel always took the time to share his exciting travel adventures with friends and loved ones.
Darrel is survived by the love of his life, Ardis (Bevan) Sutton, whom he married in 1964; four daughters, April Boyer (Dennis), Becky Rageth, Cheri Smock, Dena Starnes Jr. (Ray); son, Jeff Sutton (Shari); and brother, Larry. He was blessed with 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Darrel was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Cleo and Wayne; and son-in-law, Barry Smock.
Darrel will always be remembered as a man who was eternally grateful for his loving wife, his five wonderful children and a lifetime circle of extended family. Darrel’s friends will remember his humor, quick wit and supply of endless jokes and stories.
Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, there will be no formal service at this time. Visitation will be 2-7 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 North Eighth St., Salina, Kansas. A private family burial will be at his final resting place at Kansas Veteran’s Cemetery, WaKeeney, Kansas. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date to honor Darrel.
Charitable donations may be made to the Shriner’s Burn and Crippled Children’s Organization or the American Heart Association, in care of Ryan Mortuary.