Jerry Sutton

Nashport
Jerry Sutton, 77, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Adams Lane Care Center. He was born May 14, 1947, to the late Ned and Exia Sutton in Goshen, New York. He attended Warwick High School in Warwick, NY. He met his future wife, Elsie Bonnema at a friend’s house party in 1962.
He loved music and played the sousaphone in high school and marched in numerous Firemen’s parades. He attended and became a member of the United Methodist Church and was involved with youth groups in Warwick, NY.
After high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served three years and 13 months. He was stationed in Da Nang, Vietnam from November 19, 1967 to December 5, 1968. During this time he received the Navy Achievement Medal with combat “V” for meritorious service, while serving the Radio Relay and Construction Company Fifth Battalion, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. He still found the time to write Elsie a letter every day while in the service. Jerry’s mother, Exia, suddenly passed away while he was in Vietnam. He was allowed to come home on emergency leave for the funeral. A request for early release from his deployment was denied, as his job was critical. He returned to Vietnam to complete his tour.
Jerry and Elsie were married on March 15, 1969 in Warwick, NY. Together they started their journey of love, faith, and family. They raised their three children in Woodstock, NY. This was home for many years. Their second love and the anchor of the family for over 40 years was spending family vacations at Lake George, NY. Family for Jerry and Elsie included close and dearly loved friends.
In 1993, Jerry had an unexpected job transfer with a printing company that brought them to Nashport, OH. Jerry and Elsie joined Coburn United Methodist Church. He was involved with youth groups and Sunday school. Jerry also attended the Newark Walk to Emmaus #3 which had a profound impact on his path to becoming a pastor. The Emmaus community was very near and dear to his ministry and service. He enjoyed leading many Emmaus teams and sharing the love of Christ.

Jerry had a passion for serving. He attended the United Methodist Church Seminary in Westerville on weekends and became a licensed local Pastor with the United Methodist Church. He served as a Pastor at Roseville United Methodist Church for 15 years, and was very involved with the youth groups.
Jerry was a true man of God and loved his wife as Christ loved the Church. He was devoted to Elsie, his high school sweetheart and loving bride who he was married to for 55 years.
Jerry was a runner. It was a passion and provided him comfort and release. He loved to be on the road. Jerry ran with endurance and determination to complete multiple marathons. His final race was completed as he crossed the ultimate finish line, straight into the arms of Jesus.
He led a life of service to God, Family and his Country.
In addition to his wife, Elsie Bonnema Sutton; he is survived by his son Christopher (Kelli) Sutton; two daughters: Erika (John) Brennan and Kerri (Jay) Buchholz; grandchildren: Paige Sutton, Jack Sutton, Brooke Sutton, Xioleynis Sutton, Luis Sutton, Shane Brennan and Tommy Brennan; a sister Betty Lou Demarest; niece Lisa Fitzgerald; and a nephew Wayne Demarest.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother Bruce Sutton.
Memorial contributions may be made to Genesis Hospice, 713 Forest Ave., Zanesville, Ohio 43701 or Coburn UMC Scholarship fund, 3616 Maple Ave., Zanesville, Ohio 43701.
Graveside services will be held at noon on Saturday, July 27, at Mattingly Settlement Cemetery with Chaplain Tim Patton officiating.
THE SNOUFFER FUNERAL HOME, 1150 WEST MILITARY ROAD, ZANESVILLE has the distinct honor of serving the Sutton family.
To send a note of condolence to the family, visit www.snoufferfuneralhome.com, find us on Facebook or call our locally owned caring staff at 740-450-8000.