Andre Royal Sutton

Andre Royal Sutton was born on May 27, 1950, to the union of Roy and Marie
Sutton in Oakland, California. He spent his childhood and fondest memories
growing up in the Oakland, CA area.

Andre received his formal education in the Oakland Public Schools system in
which he additionally excelled in various sports activities such as football,
basketball and baseball. After graduation, he made his lifelong calling and joined
the United States Navy in 1968. He served in various career positions in the Navy
but mainly as a Ship ’s Serviceman (SH) and was responsible for managing retail
and service activities. This position is where Andre found his second calling. The
gift of gab.

After a 22-year service with the United States Navy, Andre was employed with the
city of Seattle and the United States Postal service where he eventually retired
from after completing his faithful service with the agency. Andre loved sports and
sports loved Andre. His larger-than-life stature and charismatic personality drew
friends, family and strangers alike to his commentary, debates and host of many
social events and BBQ’s. One of his favorite players of all time was Wilt
Chamberlin. Andre also knew him personally as a child. The love hate relationship
began when he stated, “I loved watching him p lay, but I hated when he came over
to our house and ate up all my mother’s gumbo.”

Andre departed this life on Monday, December 4, 2023. He was preceded in death
by his father Royal Sutton, Mother Marie Sutton, brother Royal Sutton Jr., sister
Lana Blodgett, sister Annette Sutton and wife Catherine Sutton.

Andre leaves to cherish his memory: his son Luther Sutton of Phoenix, Arizona,
son Kyle Sutton of Oakland, California and son Jermaine Sutton of Seattle,
Washington. His nephews Kenny Williams Sr., Kenny Willams Jr., Kyle Williams,
Tyler Williams, Herbert, niece Tracy Dawkins: his grandchildren, Damon,
Devaughn, Dominic, Dante, Adrian, Alaysiah, Ka’Mia, and a host of other
relatives and friends.

DEAR DAD,
I look but you're not there. I listen but I cannot hear you. Yet I still feel your
presence, and I hear your voice inside my head. You’re my father, my support and
my superhero. I can say thank you till I’m out of breath, but it still wouldn’t match the gratitude in my heart. It’s hard not to be selfish but just to have you here one
last time would mean the world to me. To be able to watch a baseball game, listen
to your teachings about boxing. See you laugh about your favorite comedy and tell
me how everyone else is wrong when you are so right. Thank you, dad, for being
the father you were. Making sure me and my brothers never went hungry, always
had clothes on our backs and a roof over our heads. Thank you, dad, for always
playing catch with me even when you were tired but because I was your son you
never said no. Dad, I may not always agree with you or may not always understand
your ways and methods, but I hope that you realized how proud I am to be your
son. The plan you had for us I did eventually understand. I will be forever grateful,
follow your example and keep my promise to take care of Chief. Love you always
Pop.  
Luther

Funeral service at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix, on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 12:00 P.M.