Christopher Duel Sutton

CHRISTOPHER DUEL SUTTON, 48, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, June 11, 2021. Chris worked in Information Technology for several major organizations over the years including IU Health, AT&T, Comcast, and Cloud Blue among others. His real passion though was being a member of the K-9 Search and Rescue Team, Jeff-Craig Fire and Rescue, Inc. (Vevay, IN). Chris has had a hand in helping train hundreds of search and rescue dogs both in the tristate area and all over the country.

In recent years, Chris also found fulfillment in working as an Area Coordinator for Civilian Crisis Response Team (CCRT) and as an Associate Instructor with the MALC Training Institute.

Chris was raised and lived on Indianapolis’ east side where he attended Heather Hills Elementary, Stonybrook Junior High School, and graduated in 1991 from Warren Central High School. During that time, he was active on the Heather Hills Swim Team, various soccer leagues, and Warren Central High School soccer and swim teams (Sectional Champions, placing in State Finals).

Chris was a scout in Boy Scout Troop 532 through which he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

It is a small miracle that the east side of town remains standing and that it survived the days of The Burgundy Beast and the antics of Chris and so many of his closest and dearest lifelong friends – chief among them, the Sutton’s Second Sons, Kenneth “Scooter” Taylor Jr., Mark Eads, and Eric Brown.

Academically, he went on to attend Indiana University (Bloomington, IN) where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 1995 with a minor in Gravity Testing from Willkie South. It was over these years that Chris’ circle of lifelong friends continued to grow with the addition of Chubby, Kulty, Jaybird, Chief, and Hippy.

Chris was a military veteran of the United States Navy. He served honorably for two overseas deployments on the USS Caron as a gunners mate, Petty Officer, Second Class. His Berthing Rack’s choir rendition of John Travolta’s “Sandy” from the musical Grease could bring a tear to any sailor’s eye.

Christopher was preceded in death by his father, Donald Ray Sutton; his paternal grandparents, Duel Ray Sutton and Ruth Sutton (Williams); maternal grandparents, Lawrence Booher and Amanda Lou Booher (Brant); paternal aunt, SuAnn Ross (Sutton), Uncle Jim Ross, and cousin, Mike Ross; and his maternal aunt, Joyce Puterbaugh (Booher) and Uncle William Puterbaugh; pets Grizzly, Xjav, Tobbler, Roxie, and Shyster.

Chris leaves behind his beloved mother, Janet Lou Sutton (Booher); his sister, Jennifer Diane Sutton; his cousin, William “Billy” Allen Puterbaugh; his dogs, Shiloh and Lando; and his extended pet-family, dogs Piper and Emma (aka “Zombie Warhammer”); cats, Merlin, Scarlett, Skywalker, and Schmoo; and all his many kind and dear human friends – his “brothers and sisters” – both lifelong and recently met.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up in his honor to benefit his devoted and so loved K-9 Search and Rescue Team. Donations to the fund may be sent to: Jeff-Craig Fire & Rescue, Inc., Attn: Chris Sutton Memorial, PO Box 152, Vevay, IN 47043.

A Celebration of Life service and gathering for Chris’ family and friends will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at the Fatima Event Center (aka Knight of Columbus), 1040 N. Post Road, Indianapolis, IN 46219. Calling at 11:00am, Services at 1:00pm with luncheon immediately following.