Archie Sutton

Archie Michael Sutton, a native of New Orleans and resident of Yakima, WA, departed this life on Saturday, August 29, 2015, at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital. Survivors includes his wife of 42 years, Shirley Pleasant Sutton, son Archie Sutton, Jr. and his wife Tatyanna Sutton; daughters-in-law and five granddaughters, Terri Bemiss Sutton mother of Kristin and Erin Sutton; Lori Sutton Blair mother of Ariel, Archel and Tiffany Sutton; two sisters-in-law Sabrina Joyce Pleasant Stevenson, Federal Way, Sybil Lynn Pleasant, Yakima; three brother-in-laws, Andrew Denny Pleasant, Jr., Angelo Danny Pleasant, and Angelo Dennis Pleasant, who resides in Yakima. His father Archie Sutton, mother Alma McDonald and brother Eddie McDonald preceded Archie in death. He also leaves behind a multitude of cherished friends. Archie attended Carter Goodwin Woodson Junior High School and graduated from Xavier University Preparatory High School in 1961. He played tackle on the University of Illinois football team and in 1964 was selected All American player. In 1964, he helped the fighting Illini win the Rose Bowl game. After graduation, he played three seasons, 1965 - 1967, in the National Football League with the Minnesota Vikings. Following his football career, he was employed by the Minnesota Urban League and later was employed by the State of Minnesota as an Educational Specialist. Archie married Shirley Pleasant in Minneapolis, Minnesota and later moved to Billings, Montana where he was employed as a Human Resource Manager at Eastern Montana College. He and Shirley moved to Yakima in 1987 where he was employed for the City of Yakima as Personnel Manager for eighteen years, retiring in 2006.
Archie loved sports and through many years played in a softball league. As a volunteer he spent hours coaching high school football players and summers coaching women softball. He was at his best as an umpire and enjoyed heckling the players.
During this time, he served on numerous local boards and considered First Tea and Planned Parenthood a great learning experience. He also served as President for the local Kiwanis Club.
He relaxed by fishing, golfing, hunting and keeping in contact with family, and friends. He relished cooking Cajun dishes and barbecue.
He and Shirley traveled and enjoyed their time in Europe, Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii, North Carolina, Washington D. C., Nevada, Minnesota and Louisiana, to name a few places.
Archie was a terrific, loyal husband, a great father and grandpa. As a mentor to many, he created a life of well-being, wisdom and wonder for all who knew him.
He leaves his legacy and commitment for each one of us. May his faith and his light guide us.
A Madi Gras Memorial Celebration of Life service will be held, 4:30 p.m., Friday, October 2, 2015 at the Harmon Center, 101 N. 65th Ave. Yakima, WA. Lite lunch served