Mr. Dennis Keith Sutton, 79, of Carthage, formerly of Webb City, departed this life suddenly from complications of a heart attack on Saturday, Aug. 12, at Mercy Hospital-Carthage, .

Dennis entered this life on May 8, 1944, in Franklin, Kan., one of three sons born to the late Jesse Keith and Catherine Rose (Vignatelli) Sutton. He was raised in Pittsburg, Kan., and was a 1962 graduate of Pittsburg High School. He furthered his education at Pittsburg State University, receiving his masters degree in education.

On Jan. 3, 1986, he was united in marriage to Ann Bruffett, and together they have shared the last 37 years.

Dennis was an educator throughout his life, retiring in 2005 with 33 years of service. He taught at Liberal, and Parkwood and Memorial high schools in Joplin, Missouri Southern State University and Franklin Tech. Following retirement, he worked at Lowe’s in Carthage. He was a member of Nashville Methodist Church.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Kenneth Sutton.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Sutton, of the home; four children, Julie Brenton and husband Chris, Glendale, Ariz., Mark Sutton and wife Mandi, Honolulu, Hawaii, Matt Bruffett and wife Shannon, Joplin, and Dr. Chris Buffett, Jasper; four grandchildren, Seth Brenton, Mia Brenton, Mackensie Sutton and Grayson Bruffett; a brother, Dan Sutton, Dennis, Kan.; and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, at Central United Methodist Church in Webb City, with Pastor Terri Haywood officiating. Burial will follow at Hackney Cemetery, northeast of Carthage. Pallbearers will be Mark Sutton, Matt Bruffett, Chris Bruffett, Ryan Sutton, Dan Sutton and David Gober. The family will receive friends prior to the service at 9 a.m. at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Nashville Methodist Church in care of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.