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Submitted: 5/21/23 • Approved: 5/22/23 • Last Updated: 5/25/23 • R427636-G427636-S3
Kerlin
September 16, 1925 - January 17, 2017
Margaret
March 9, 1927 - February 23, 2017
Kerlin Caspari Sutton, 91, a native of Natchitoches, LA, for over nine decades, entered eternal rest on January 17, 2017. Kerlin was born on September 16, 1925, in his parents' home in Natchitoches. A service to honor his life will be held on Friday, January 20 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home. The family will receive friends immediately prior to the service. Interment will follow in the American Cemetery.
His family legacy was a major factor in his lifelong interest in the history of his hometown and his decision to stay in Natchitoches and create businesses and connections that would contribute to the growth of the community. Kerlin was considered a leading authority on the history of the community. He was a voracious reader and expert of trivial facts concerning Natchitoches. He loved writing, photography, history, Cane River (especially teaching others how to water ski) and dogs. He was a founding member of the Kappa Alpha Order at Northwestern State University and helped with the formation of the Natchitoches Board of Realtors. Kerlin was also a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the Rotary Club and past President of the Natchitoches Northwestern Symphony Society.
Kerlin signed up for the US Army Air Corps even though his 18th birthday was still a few months away. He dreamed of flying planes but was assigned to radar due to vision problems. This gave him the opportunity to study at the University of Illinois and the University of Wisconsin, and he eventually served at bases in the Philippines, Okinawa, and Tokyo. When he completed his military service, Kerlin returned to Northwestern, but changed his major to business administration. He had some entrepreneurial interests and wanted to be prepared to pursue these interests. Soon after returning to Northwestern after the war, Kerlin met Margaret Ellen Abington. The couple graduated in 1949 and soon married. They would spend the next 67 years together.
His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. His son, Mark Kerlin married the former Mary Catherine Burke, and added Marshall Cannon, Matthew Landry, and great-grandson Jonah Landry to his family. His daughter, Ellen Nita and her husband, Daniel Reeves Donaldson, added their children Jonathan Daniel, and Thomas Mark.
He is also survived by his brother-in-law Pete Abington and his wife, Ellen, nieces and nephews, Clay Abington, Julie Abington Brewton and her husband Mickey, Valerie Abington, Doug Abington and his wife Beth, Elizabeth Abington Prejean, Camille Abington Hansen and husband Jim, and Rodney Abington; great nieces and nephews, Katiebeth Abington, Walker Abington, Jake Harrington and wife Erynn, Samuel Abington, Nicholas Abington, and Gavin Abington; and his great-great niece, Brynn Harrington.
Kerlin was preceded in death by his parents, George and Nita Sutton; his beloved mother and father-in-law, Nellie and Douglas Abington; his brother-in-law, Douglas Abington; his sister-in-law Mai Abington; and his nephew, Stephen Douglas Abington.
A special thanks to his friends and caregivers Deborah Haskett, Joe Williams and Dr. William Luster. Thanks also to his friend, David Graham, who made his life so special by their Kisatchie escapades.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers include: Matthew Landry Sutton, Marshall Cannon Sutton, Jonathan Daniel Donaldson, Thomas Mark Donaldson, Leonard Clayton Abington, Douglas Walker Abington, Rodney Clarence Abington, and James Michael "Mickey" Brewton. Honorary pallbearers include L. J. Melder, David Graham, Jim Bob Key, Robby Lucky, and Joe Williams.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in the honor of Kerlin Caspari Sutton to the Northwestern State University scholarship fund of your choice at NSU Foundation, 535 University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA 71457, to Natchitoches Jewish Cemetery c/o Mark Sutton, or any other charity of your choice in his honor.
Published by Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home - Natchitoches on Jan. 25, 2017.
Contributed on 5/21/23 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 427636