Robert W. Sutton, age 86, a resident of Aurora, IL, passed away on Sunday, June 12, 2022. He was born October 30, 1935, in Ashley, Missouri to Charles & Julia Sutton.

"Bobby Wayne", as he was known by his family, grew up in Bowling Green, Missouri where he graduated from High School before joining the military. He excelled in basketball, baseball and the high jump while in High School and held many jobs, from "candling" eggs to working in his step-father's autobody shop. Through his step-father, Jesse Hearn, Bob also learned his strong work ethic and began a life-long passion for horses.

Bob served in the Air Force from 1957 to 1965 and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. During his service in the Air Force he was stationed in bases such as Tripoli, Libya, South Dakota, Hawaii and Missouri. He was chosen to be trained and work on some of the first computers, which were as big as a house at the time. He loved his country and had many stories about his time in the military. Upon discharge, he settled in Kansas City, Missouri to raise his family.

Bob had many talents and his family always said if Dad (or "PawPaw" as he was known by many) couldn't fix it then nobody could. He also had many passions that revolved around his family, his faith and his friends. He loved Tennessee Walking horses, woodworking, working with his hands on many projects, collecting coins, basketball and golf. He worked with Tennessee Walking horses for a good portion of his life as a trainer, farrier and, most recently, in providing guidance to his friends on their purchases of show horses. Bob was always willing to share his knowledge, abilities and many great stories. His reminder lists included birthdays, anniversaries, special events like Christmas and sending cards with personalized notes/letters to his many friends.

He took great pride in providing his talents to the various churches he attended over the years, including helping to build new facilities, providing repairs as needed and heading up groundskeeping efforts.

In his job as facilities engineer with the Norris City, IL school system and the North Aurora, IL Library, he had the opportunity to impact the lives of many young people by showing them the advantages of hard work and taking pride in a job well done.

Bob was a very generous person, faithfully contributing to many causes and giving to many people. He will be missed immensely by his family and the vast circle of friends from around the country that he had amassed over his lifetime.

He is survived by his three children: Robin Sutton of Aurora, IL, Gregory Sutton (Patricia Harris Sutton) of North Aurora, IL, Michael Sutton of Honolulu, HI, and Bob's "dedopted daughter" (as Bob called her), Connie Malone of Aurora, IL. Bob has three beloved grandchildren: Justine (Tom) Schillinger, Christopher Sutton, and Jesse Sutton (with whom Bob shared his secret chili recipe), as well as three great-grandsons: Spencer, Tyler and Oliver Schillinger. He is also survived by his sisters Loretta (Ernie) Browning and Shirley Fanger, his brother-in-law John Weiser and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Connie, who died in 2014, and his brothers Edwin (Aloha) Sutton, Thomas (Bobbi) Sutton, J.D. Hearn, and Richard (Karen) Sutton.

A visitation will be held Friday, June 17, 2022, from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church , 3S465 Briggs St., Naperville, IL 60563, where a funeral service will be held at 12:00pm. The service will be live-streamed beginning at 12:00 Noon CST though this link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aI0mdgW69_Y&feature=youtu.be

Burial will take place on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at 1:30pm at Vandalia Cemetery in Vandalia, Missouri.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, a contribution be made in Bob's name to the "Robert & Connie Sutton Memorial Fund" to support Youth programs. Please make checks payable to: Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3S465 Briggs St, Naperville, IL 60563.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.