Allegan, MI, Gerald "Bud/Jerry" Sutton, 89 yrs, passed away Saturday, August 29, 2009 in Allegan, Born August 5, 1920 to Sydney C. and Clara E. (Barker) Sutton of Canton Township, Michigan, he was predeceased by childhood sisters Shirley and Betty, and his sister in spirit, Mary Lou Bailey; also dogs Burfy I and Burfy II; and his boat, "Tonic," (later known as "El Glub"). In 1946 he married the love of his life Mary E. Evans, after a three year correspondence and courtship while he served in the U.S. Army. Corporal Sutton trained as a radio operator in the Pacific Theatre. Whereas he studied architectural engineering at the University of Detroit and Lawrence Technological University before and after military service, his dedication to family led him to take over his father's painting contracting business after the war. His business served hundreds of faithful customers in the areas of Wayne, Michigan and later Phoenix, Arizona, where he was known for his honesty and skilled craftsmanship. Gerald is survived by wife Mary and their daughters, Shirley (Charles) Sutton-Rop of Allegan, MI, Jill Sutton of Glendale, AZ, and Denise (Richard) Sutton-Moosekian of Allen Park, MI, and seven grandchildren: Liza Beth (Scot) Rumery, Laura Niemi, Billy (Kristen) Shellenbarger, Brandon Niemi, Sydney Liswith, Elizabeth Moosekian, Lane Liswith and his cat, Bumps. He also lived long enough to enjoy his great grandchild Luna Belle Rumery. His boyhood life included membership in the Buffalo Patrol (Cherry Hill Troop 2), a secret club in Sheldon Michigan, with his best friends; somewhat later pitching for the Roosevelt High School Rough Riders baseball team in Ypsilanti; and playing saxophone in the school band. Even later he was a member of the Belleville Rotary Club, briefly serving as president. Before his retirement, Jerry enjoyed years of boating in his cabin cruiser. He had an admirable golf swing and later enjoyed 22 years of perfect golfing weather with a cadre of retirement buddies in Sun City West, Arizona. His other passions included woodworking and carving, contemporary furniture making, Usonian architecture, classic jazz, and chardonnay (or to him, "Chevrolet"). Known by those who knew and loved him for his silly one-liners and malapropisms, Jerry was frequently quoted. When asked about his health he would shrug and reply, "Beats the alternative." His last fulfilled goal was living long enough to see a woman or an African-American elected president. His last unfulfilled goal was to own a Toyota Prius. Jerry's final months were spent, sadly, in decline until living no longer "beat the alternative". Those of us whose lives were enriched by his clever wit and loving character will forever sense the feeling of loss. Following cremation, a celebration of his life will occur with his family and close friends. Memorial contributions may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn Street, Allegan, MI 49010; Allegan General Hospital Foundation, 555 Linn Street, Allegan, MI 49010; or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel.