Robert O. Sutton

Robert O. Sutton (Bob) died April 8, 2009, at his family's home after a brief illness. He was born May 14, 1952, in Houston, Texas to parents, Albert J. (John) and Delores Sutton. He grew up in an Air Force family traveling to Japan, Pennsylvania, then graduated in 1971 in the Philippines Islands, always returning to his family's home in San Antonio.

Bob is preceded in death by his father, A. J. Sutton. He is survived by his mother, Delores Sutton, San Antonio; brothers, Steven (Mickie) Topeka, KS; Ron (Mona) Baltimore, MD; and sister, Lisa Thomas (Bill) San Antonio, TX, and nine nephews and nieces Kenzie, Kelly, Matthew, Tiffany and Brenda Sutton; Michael, John, David and Joseph Thomas. He is also survived by daughter Cabrina Gardner, granddaughter Catherine, and Cyndi Gardner, mother of Cabrina Gardner.

Bob made his first major accomplishment in life by becoming an Eagle Scout in 1966, earning the highest honor in Scouting. He began tinkering with engines and such as he reached the age of 15 and eventually upon returning to San Antonio in 1972, began working as an auto mechanic at Toyota of San Antonio, also continuing to learn more about cars by attending St. Phillip's College. After a few years of working on cars, Bob decided it was time to share his talents and teach others what he knew. He attended SWTSU to obtain his teaching certificate and in 1979 began teaching at Burbank High School, home of the Bulldogs. Bob was dedicated to his teaching and sharing of knowledge with students over a 30 year period at Burbank. He had many years of perfect attendance and at the time of his death had accrued 267 days of sick leave. He was truly a devoted educator. Bob leaves many "adopted sons" that he mentored during his many years at Burbank. He has passed on to them his knowledge of auto mechanics as well as taking pride in workmanship, having a sense of humor and being proud of a job well done. Bob also had a special way with his students including, "The Circle of Trust", a very unique way of teaching his students the virtues and responsibilities in life in addition to repairing autos. Being in the "Circle of Trust" was a privilege that his students had to earn by showing examples of trust, caring, compassion and respect. It is truly amazing the way Mr. Sutton taught his students. He truly cared about them and had high expectations for the students in his class.

Bob also had a second love which was being an avid photographer shooting weddings, special events, family and most recently, underwater photography with his love for scuba diving. Bob even took his sister's wedding portrait and wedding pictures in 1989. He always kept his camera with him as he would tell many of his friends, "You never know when you will have a photo op." He traveled to many exotic islands such as Hawaii, Cancun, Aruba, the Bahamas, the Grand Cayman Island, St. Croix, Cozumel and last August 2008, to Caye Caulker (a small remote island) off the coast of Belize in Central America. Bob enjoyed his adventures both on land and underwater and took many beautiful photos of his travels. He had many gifts to share and loved being around people. Bob's death will leave a big void in many lives; but through his belief in God, never missing Sunday Mass in his life, we pray he will have everlasting life with our Lord, Jesus Christ!

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 8115 Datapoint Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229.