Howard Sutton

July 26, 1930 - November 11, 2018

Howard Sutton, 88, of Oskaloosa died Sunday, November 11, 2018, at the Northern Mahaska Nursing and Rehab. Center in Oskaloosa. He was born July 26, 1930, in Rose Hill the son of William and Emma Mae Hunt Sutton. He graduated from Oskaloosa High School with the class of 1950. In 1953, he joined the Iowa National Guard. He served for many years in the Guard and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant First Class. On June 19, 1954, he was united in marriage to Merna Rice at Oskaloosa. Merna died October 19, 2008, after over 54 years of marriage. Howard worked for many years as an auto mechanic. He started his career at Walker Cadillac Oldsmobile in Oskaloosa. In July of 1974, he opened Howards Auto Service in Oskaloosa. Through honesty and hard work, the business outgrew the shop in town. He expanded the business and moved to a bigger shop south of Oskaloosa. In addition to working on vehicles, he ran a wrecker service for many years. He spent many nights working with his wrecker at the Southern Iowa Speedway. In February of 2001, he retired and sold the business. He did continue to run his wrecker at the Southern Iowa Speedway for a few years after retirement. He was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Oskaloosa for over 60 years and served as the head usher for many years. Howard enjoyed volunteering for little league as a ground’s keeper for two years. He had a servant heart and enjoyed helping people, not only with their vehicles, but any way he could. His family includes his three children, Donna (Lyle) Collins, Karann Sampsel, and John Sutton all of Oskaloosa; six grandchildren, Lee (Missy) Collins, Leslie (Mike) Hirons, Russell (Kylie) Hessing, Derek Hessing, Renee Hessing, and Hanna Sampsel; seven great grandchildren, Trey, Sierra, and Cooper Collins, Annabel, Jacob, and Emily Hirons, and Soren Hessing. In addition to his wife Merna, Howard was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Neal Sutton; and a sister, Veda Northup. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 16, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. in the Bethel Baptist Church in Oskaloosa with Reverend Steve Cox officiating. Burial will be in the Wymore Cemetery east of Oskaloosa. Graveside Military Honors will be given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Thursday morning after 11 and the family will be at the funeral chapel Thursday evening from 5-7 to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church.