Samuel Sutton

Thursday October 20,2022, Samuel Branson Sutton Jr. made his solitary journey from this life into the spirit world. His family had the privilege of spending his last few days surrounding him with love.

He was preceded in death by his wife Joyce Catherine (Ballard) Sutton, his parents, Samuel Branson Sutton Sr. and Dortha (O'Dell) Sutton and sister, Donna Donaldson.

He is survived by his three children, daughters: Jody Roses, and Kim (Steve) Hardt, and son Jason (Jennifer) Sutton. Ten Grandchildren; Douglas Roses, Diana Roses, Damon Roses, Desirae Roses-Clinton, Dakota Roses, Jared Cline, Taylor Johnson, Chelsi Moss, Kristin Pease, Carynne Sutton, and Carter Sutton. Eleven great grandchildren; Dregon, Desmond and Della Roses, Kaden, Ryleigh and Wyatt Johnson, Kodie and Kimmie Cline, Lennon Pease, and Anniston and Alivia Moss.

Sam was born October 29, 1938, in Boynton, Oklahoma, at his great grandparents' home. Sam loved Oklahoma and OU Football. Those two things were always a part of who he was. As a young child his family moved to Tucson Arizona. He attended Amphitheatre High School where he was an outstanding athlete. He lettered in both track and basketball. He also sang in the school choir and participated in various clubs. He was a member of the Masonic affiliated youth organization "DeMolay International.'' He was into fast cars and enjoyed listening to Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Fats Domino and other great artists who emerged during the late 50's.

On September 19, 1959, he married the love of his life, Joyce Catherine Ballard. Sam and Joyce started out in Tucson, Arizona, but a job opportunity for Sam took them to Oregon. Eventually they settled in Claremore, Oklahoma, where they lived for the past 42 years.

Sam's Greatest joy was his family, but he also loved his friends. He loved to have people around him, especially children. He was charismatic and funny and generally entertaining. He was a great cook. His specialty was his brisket. He loved to have family over for Sunday dinner where he would be quite pleased to announce how many pounds of brisket had been consumed. He had a great laugh and could be quite the character.

He really had a wonderful life. Many friends and an untold number of adventures. He raced cars, hunted deer in the canyons and mountains of Arizona. Fished the rivers and lakes of Arizona and Oregon. Enjoyed deep sea fishing in a few different parts of the world. He officiated high school football, coached little league football, and coached youth basketball. Took his grandchildren on epic road trips from Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and on to Arizona. Always making memories and would enjoy telling the stories that happened along the way.

He was fortunate to be able to travel to many places in his life. His work took him to every state in the US and enjoyed many trips to other parts of the world. Such as Mexico, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Hawaii, Alaska, the Panama Canal, Venezuela, Costa Rica, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Montenegro, Croatia, and many other exciting places. One of his favorite places to go close to home was Branson, Missouri. He and Joyce enjoyed meeting friends there and would go to as many musical shows as possible while visiting.

For our family, life will never be the same. We will all miss him so very much. We wish to thank the many friends and family members who have offered their condolences to us all.

A private memorial and celebration of his life will be held for the family, a date has not yet been set. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Make a Wish Foundation or Saint Jude Children's Hospital.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Sam, please visit our Tree Store or plant a tree.

Arrangements entrusted to Schaudt's Tulsa Funeral Service, 5757 S. Memorial Drive, Tulsa, OK 74145. Family and friends may leave their condolences to the family @schaudtfuneralservice.com