Douglas Kim Sutton, 72, of Wardsville, Missouri, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026, surrounded by family.
Doug was born on August 11, 1953, in Alexandria, Virginia, to Charles Garvis Sutton and Jesse Aline (Burns) Sutton. He spent his childhood in Lebanon, Missouri, where he graduated from Lebanon High School with the Class of 1971. He then moved to Springfield to attend Southwest Missouri State University, now Missouri State University, and met his future wife, Deborah Leigh Shockley. The couple married in 1982 and made their home in Wardsville, Missouri, where they built a life together and raised their family.
Doug devoted his professional life to career education and economic development and training, spending his career helping individuals and communities develop opportunities for growth and success. His work reflected the same qualities that defined him personally: intelligence, generosity, dedication, and a genuine desire to help others.
Above all else, Doug was a devoted husband and father. He treasured every opportunity to support his children, whether cheering from the sidelines or coaching his son’s youth baseball team. His greatest pride was his family, and he valued spending time with those he loved.
Doug embraced life with enthusiasm and warmth. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs and remained a proud supporter of Missouri State University throughout his life. He found peace in fishing and the outdoors, and he loved gathering family and friends around the table with meals prepared from his own kitchen. Whether sharing stories, offering advice, or delivering one of his memorable turns of phrase or colorful euphemisms, Doug had a gift for making people laugh and feel welcome.
Those who knew Doug will remember his loyalty, generosity, humor, and outgoing spirit. He had the unique ability to connect with people from every walk of life, and strangers rarely stayed strangers for long.
Doug is survived by his wife of 44 years, Deborah Leigh (Shockley) Sutton; his son, Nicholas Charles Sutton and fiancée Sarah Isabel Kelley; his daughter, Mary Kathryn Sutton; brother-in-law Stephen B. Shockley; brother-in-law Gale F. Schafer; sister-and brother-in-law, Jane (Shockley) and Barry F. McDaniel; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; other relatives and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Garvis Sutton and Jesse Aline (Burns) Sutton; his sister-in-law, Ann (Shockley) Schafer; his brother-in-law, Thomas Charles Shockley; and his nephew, Matthew Warren Shockley.
Doug was known for his ability to make friends wherever he went. He was a dedicated husband, father, and friend, and he will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.
Two dedications will be held. The first will be at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel Family Center in Lebanon from 1-3 p.m. on August 8th. The second will be at the Wardsville Knights of Columbus near Jefferson City from 1-3 p.m. on August 15th.
The family will have a memory jar and invites attendees to provide their favorite memories, stories, sayings or euphemisms of Doug.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the American Cancer Society or to Missouri State Athletics, both very dear to Doug’s heart.
Arrangements are under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon. Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.
