February 12, 1958 – May 27, 2026

Ken, also known as Kenny, Big Ken, Gentle Giant, or Polar Bear, was born on February 12, 1958, to Tom and Patricia Sutton. He grew up alongside his four brothers, Steve, Jim, Don, and Jeff.

In 1981, he married the love of his life, Valinda. She quickly embraced his wit, humor, love of sports, and personality. It didn’t take long for them to realize they shared the same love language. Together they were blessed with two amazing sons, Thomas and Paul. He was also proud to welcome their wives, Kelcy and Vanyssa, into the family. Eventually, their family grew to include five beautiful grandchildren: Cole, Brady, Shay, Remington, and Boone. They were truly the light of his life.

Ken loved attending any and all sporting events. He was much more mellow watching his grandchildren play than he ever was coaching from the sidelines, something his sons and former players could certainly attest to. While the players loved him, the umpires may have had a different opinion. He held the bar high and expected the best, not just on the field, but in life. Through coaching, he helped shape young athletes into responsible adults, and the friendships and memories made along the way became some of life’s greatest treasures.

There were countless special and unforgettable memories shared with family and friends over the years: progressive dinners, beach parties, barbecues, camping trips, ball games, and so much more.

Ken was self-employed for many years before later working at El Capitan High School and Santana High School, where he enjoyed being part of the school communities he cared so deeply about.

He loved traveling to Star Valley, Wyoming, where he spent many summers with his Aunt and Uncle, Paul and Colleen Sutton. He also cherished the many years spent visiting family in Ennis, Montana. Those trips were filled with family, laughter, golf, card games, storytelling, and time spent reflecting on the beautiful life and relationships that had been built over the years. Not to mention the laughter that seemed to follow Kenny wherever he went. Whether around a card table, on a golf course, or gathered with family and friends, he always had a joke, a story, or a perfectly timed one-liner. He loved making people laugh and somehow always found himself at the center of the fun.

Ken will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. We take comfort in knowing how blessed we were to have shared life with him and that he is now reunited with family and friends in Heaven, smiling down on us with the same love, warmth, and humor he shared throughout his life.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

                                                                                                        — Matthew 5:4

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Valinda Sutton with “Kenny Sutton Letterman Jacket Fund” noted in the memo line. This fund will help provide letterman jackets to deserving student-athletes, continuing Kenny’s legacy of encouraging, supporting, and believing in young athletes.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Lakeside Rodeo Hall on July 26 at 4:00 p.m.