Dennis James Sutton was born March 18, 1947 in Oakland CA. He left this world on December 18, 2024 with all the grit and determination of a true Marine.
Dennis attended Notre Dame Catholic School in Chico, graduating the 8th grade and attended Chico High until 1963 when his Dad took a job in Pakistan working on the Mangla Dam. He graduated from Mangla International High School in 1965.
His love of travel started during high school and he was lucky enough to visit most of the middle eastern countries while living overseas. After moving back to California in 1966, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps with his two best friends and served two tours in Viet Nam as part of the 11th Engineers 3rd Marine Battalion. He came home in September 1968 to his sweetheart, Debbie.
Once he was back in California, Dennis continued his career as a lineman for PG&E. In 1972 Dennis and Debbie packed up and moved to Susanville where he worked for SMUD as a lineman until he switched careers in 1977 and became a Firefighter for SAID in Herlong, CA. In 1979 he became an Engineer for the Susanville Fire Department. During his time with SFD, he started the first explorer post allowing young adults a chance to learn firefighting. Many of those went into long careers with fire departments or wildland agencies, something that Dennis was very proud of.
Not one to sit around, Dennis was also working on his teaching degree with UC Berkley, which he obtained in 1983. He taught CPR to multiple counties, businesses, and the high school freshmen every year as well as assisting with parts of the Nursing Program at LCC.
He was also active in the American Legion, VFW, and Marine Corps League. Serving as both Area and District Commander and holding multiple other organization jobs throughout the years.
We know him as the best girl dad ever, but he really was one of a kind. His door was always open for our friends to come without judgement or criticism. He became “Dad” to so many over the years, loving all of them unconditionally just like he did his own kids.
As much as he loved being a Dad, he loved the title of POP so much more. His favorite people in the world were his grandkids. Savannah Morgan, Stephanie Campos, Korbin Gilly, Kara Hahn, Trevor Hahn, Tyler Schwagerl and Trevor Schwagerl were truly his joy in life. Long talks were shared, multiple Nerf wars were fought and there were even a few drag races in the street between a Riding Lawn Mower and a Barbie Jeep. He was also Great Pop to Peyton Campos, Ashton Campos, and Oliver Hahn. We can only imagine the things he would have taught those babies.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Larry and Adyne Neuhardt and his father, Jake Sutton. He was also proceeded in death by his wife of 53 years, Deborah Sutton.
He is survived by his daughters Jamie (John) Gilly and Cerise (Jeff) Schwagerl. He is also survived by Steve Estes, who he loved like a son. His sister Connie (George) Kraemer, Brother Carl Neuhardt and Numerous Nieces and Nephews.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR DENNIS WILL BE FEBRUARY 8, 2025 AT 1:00 PM AT THE VETERANS MEMORIAL HALL.
In Lieu of flowers please send donations to Holiday with a Hero or Alzheimer’s Association.
