Larry Donell Sutton

Larry Donell Sutton of Franklin Park, NJ, transitioned, Thursday June 20, 2024, in New Brunswick NJ. We, the family of Larry D. Sutton, would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love given to us during our time of bereavement. Whether it was a call, a prayer, or any act of kindness, it did not go unnoticed. May the Lord continue to bless, smile and keep you. Again we say, “Thank You!”. Larry’s Life Story Larry Donell Sutton was born on June 6, 1956, in Greenville North Carolina to the late Frank Sutton and Minnie Crandle Sutton. As a young child, he was relocated to New Jersey with his family. Educated in the Franklin Township Public School System, he graduated from Franklin High School in 1975. His athleticism in track & field earned him a scholarship to Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, where he went on to further his education. While attending SIU-E, Larry met and fell in love with then Carolyn Hodges, and they were married on January 20, 1979. The couple relocated shortly thereafter to NJ, moving to New Brunswick, then finally settling in Somerset (Franklin Twp), NJ. From their union 4 children were born: Jarrett, Antigua, Quinten, and Kyle. Larry grew up in Mount Carmel Church of Christ WIH with his family. He confessed his hope in Jesus at an early age and was baptized under the leadership of Bishop John Paul Jones. He participated in various activities in the youth department and later played lead and bass guitar in the church music ensemble. Because of his skills on the guitar taught by his father, Larry began playing for the gospel group, The Somerset Travelers, at an early age. The Somerset Travelers recorded two songs that they performed in local area churches. It is Larry you hear playing the guitar in “Don’t Let the Devil Ride” and “Up Above My Head.” Larry LOVED fashion and was known for his finely tuned sense of style. He was a sharp dresser and often made his grand entrance with ensembles he would brag about purchasing for “only a few dollars.” He loved shopping and was often teased that he never paid full price for anything. He should have owned stock in Englishtown for the number of times he visited. His “negotiation” skills and pride in “saving a few dollars” made him a salesperson’s worst nightmare. Larry was also an avid sports lover. He was a longtime LA Lakers fan and could be caught during any given sport season rooting for various teams. His love and appreciation for sports also drove him to train and coach several athletes, including his sons, nephews, and a host of family and friends. During his years of employment, he worked at Somerset County Employment & Training Program, Hess Corporation, Maier’s Bakery, Entenmanns Bakery, Drakes, The New Brunswick Teen Center, I Made You Look Sign Company, and Edison Job Corp Center. Recently retired in 2022, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends and doing odd jobs until his illness. Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Minnie Sutton; a sister, Edna (Kenneth) Patterson of Easton, PA.; a nephew, Keenan Sanders and both sets of grandparents. Those remaining to cherish his life and celebrate his memory are: his wife, Carolyn Hodges Sutton; his children, Jarrett (Angela) Sutton, Antigua (Bradd) Jackson, Quinten (Nicole) Sutton, and Kyle Sutton; 2 brothers, William (Mary) Crandle, and James (Nicolette) Crandell; 4 sisters, Diane Walton, Susan Walton, Carolyn (Glen) Sanders, and Cassandral Sutton; 7 grandchildren, Jordyn, Makayla, Tyler, Parker, Kaleb, Carter, and Isla; 1 sister-in-law, Marilyn Hodges; 1 brother-in-law, Rev. Jerry (Paula) Hodges; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends

Larry Donell Sutton

June 6, 1956 - June 20, 2024