Eugene Sutton

Eugene “Gene” Sutton, 85, of Baker City, died Sunday, June 5, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family.  A traditional funeral service will be held Thursday, June 16, 2022~ 11 a.m. at the Harvest Church in Baker City.  An interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery with Military Honors. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception to be held immediately following the interment back at the Harvest Church.

Gene was born January 12, 1937 in Dayton, WA.  He received his education in Blatchley,OR,  Walla Walla, WA  and lastly Benson High School in Portland, OR where he eventually dropped out so that he could enlist in the United States Navy. He had fond memories of playing on the streets of Portland back in the 40’s.

Gene served in the Navy from 1954-1974, earning several awards including 3 Bronze Stars. He lived many places during his life including Key West FL, San Diego and San Francisco, CA.

Gene met Marilyn Litteral the first time when they were kids growing up in Walla Walla, WA.  As adults their paths crossed once more, she was a Salvation Army Officer and he was a Sailor.  Gene married his childhood friend and high school sweetheart on May 6, 1962.

After retiring from the US Navy, Gene moved to Baker City, OR to be closer to family. He worked at Big V Department Store and the U.S. Post Office. He enjoyed his job as a mailman and gained the nickname as “the second whistling mailman”.

Gene enjoyed collecting coins, hunting, shooting guns, Wild West gunfight reenactments, photography and building model trains. He especially loved his dogs Duke the Bulldog, Bouncy Bear the Pomeranian, and Rosie and Lilly his Toy Chihuahuas.

Gene was a proud member of the Baker Valley Repertoire Players and the American Legion. Gene was a member of the Harvest Church and was one of the backbones in building the church in everything from the ground up.  His life philosophy was that Jesus Christ is the way to Salvation-show Christ to others through your daily actions, be kind and generous to anyone in need.  He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and a genuine care for people.

Gene was preceded in death by his daughters Becky Sutton and Cathy Rodli and parents Ben Sutton and Juanita Tarvin.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn Sutton of Baker City, OR; daughters Kelly (Jesse) Kreutzer of Nampa, ID, Amy (Andrew) VanGaasbeck of Baker City, OR; sons Gary Sutton of Baker City, OR, David (Brianne) Sutton of Baker City, OR; sister Arlene Shively; 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Gene the family suggests a Veterans charity of one's choice through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, PO BOX 543, Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com