Donald Harker Sutton (87) of Herrick

Donald Harker Sutton, 87, of Herrick, IL, left the farm for the last time on March 15, 2023, passing away peacefully at his home, with family by his side.

The son of Harry William Sutton, DVM and Eva (Harker) Sutton, Donald was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1935, in Sidney, NY. He married Darlene Ellen Ball on June 15, 1970, in Decatur. Growing up in Unadilla, NY, Donald gained a passion for agriculture, joining his veterinarian father on calls, and extended stays on local farms gaining knowledge. This passion, and an overriding desire to own a farm, brought him to the Midwest, first to Chicago, then Decatur, where he met and married Darlene and started a family, before realizing his aspirations with purchase of ground in Herrick, where he raised a family and resided until his death. Spending the hottest days of the summer farming and custom baling while operating his preferred International tractor and Vermeer baler provided him with innumerable challenges and immeasurable joy, while establishing everlasting relationships with his many friends, neighbors, and customers. With a tireless and dedicated work ethic, when not farming, to support his family and farm, he was employed at Bridgestone-Firestone in Decatur for over 25 years.

Surviving are his sons: Eric Santiago of Martinsville, IN, and Keith Mueller of Herrick; daughters: Londa (Randall) Allen of Herrick, and Lora (Michael) Hamann of Effingham; grandchildren: Jennifer Brummet (Todd Hardwick), Amanda (Adam) Smith, Jeffery (Fiorella) Mueller, Kasey Mueller, Nathanael (Megan) Santiago, and Kalib Santiago; great-grandchildren: Beau Brummet, Byron Brummet, Bella Hardwick, Brandall Hardwick, Blake Mueller, Karlee Smith, Brody Smith, Brantly Smith, Benjamin Mueller, Briar Mueller, Levi Barker and Harper Stortzum and sister, Carolyn Wells of Natick, MA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of 37 years in 2007, son Douglas Lyle Sutton in 1991, and granddaughter Kristy Ann Mueller in 2007. The family would like to extend special thanks to HSHS Home Care, HSHS Hospice, and caregiver Janice Stokes.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Cowden with Krista Stokke officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place in Mound Cemetery in rural Cowden. Memorials may be made to Sarah Bush Lincoln Peace Meals. Casual attire is requested. Lockart-Green Funeral Home is assisting the family. Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story by clicking here.