Dan R. Sutton, 74, died Monday, April 12, 2021 at his home, surrounded by his family.
Dan was born April 29, 1946 in Oshkosh, NE to Raymond B. and Margaret L. (Kerr) Sutton. He grew up on a sandhills ranch south of Ashby, NE which was homesteaded by his grandparents. He attended country school and Oshkosh grade school through 8th grade, high school at Platte Valley Academy, Shelton, NE and was the first person to receive a personalized degree from Union College, Lincoln, NE where he graduated on December 19, 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Dependency.
On July 20, 1978, Dan made a decision that would forever change his life and that date became his ânew birthdayâ. For the past 42+ years, Dan has remained faithful to that decision and dedicated his life work to helping others make the decision to change their lives. He was always willing to share his personal story to give others hope.
Dan was a good student and even better teacher. He was always searching for something new and innovative, always looking for ways to educate people about addiction and how deadly this disease is. When someone was lost to the disease it deeply affected him and he always felt he could have done more. Through the years Dan has given away countless numbers of books, DVDâs, CDâs, and Bibles; if it touched his heart he would share it. He described himself as a âwalking commercialâ.
Dan loved his children and grandchildren and was so proud of their accomplishments. He talked to them about inviting Christ into their lives and living a life apart from addiction. Just a few days before his death his grandson asked âGrandpa, can you share some of your wisdom with me?â
In a final act of love for his family he was teaching us how to grieve him in a healthy way and to be loving and forgiving and accepting of all people.
Dan is survived by his wife, Kathy Sutton of Ashby, NE; his children, Gwen Ensrud of Scottsbluff, NE, Corey (Debbie) Sutton of Melbeta, NE, Raye Sutton of Minatare, NE, and Dustin Sutton of Melbeta, NE; 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Larry (Sandra) Sutton of Florence, CO; his sisters, Genelle Holder of Springdale, WA, Kay Sutton of Lincoln, NE, and Pam (Rick) Bell of Murdock, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of Danâs life will be held Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Calvary Assembly of God Church in Alliance. Pastor Jim Settle will officiate.
Memorials may be sent in care of the family for a memorial to be designated later to: Kathy Sutton, 11233 Rays Lane, Ashby, NE, 69333.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com