John Russell Sutton

Known affectionately as “Russ” or “Rusty” to his closest friends, he was born on June 25, 1943, in Omaha, Nebraska, the eldest of two sons to Irma and John Anthony Sutton. At a young age, the Sutton family relocated to Indianapolis, where they made their home in the Broad Ripple neighborhood. Russ graduated from Broad Ripple High School, where he forged lifelong friendships and began building the character that defined him throughout his life.

He continued his education at Ball State University, graduating in 1966. A proud collegiate athlete, he wrestled for Ball State and was an active officer of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. After completing his undergraduate degree, Russ pursued a law degree at the Indiana University McKinney School of Law.

Professionally, Russ was a leader. He began his career in Human Resources and Training, where his ability to inspire and develop people quickly set him apart. A natural entrepreneur, he went on to launch and lead several successful ventures across his lifetime. From the early 70s through the early 1990s, he held both executive and ownership roles in the restaurant industry, a field he loved deeply. This passion eventually led him and his beloved wife, Ann, to Southern California, where they pursued new ventures and began raising a family.

In the early 1990s, Russ returned to Indiana to help lead the family’s growing structural steel corporations into the third generation. He found new passions during this time and fiercely dedicated himself, guiding the company through periods of innovation and expansion. Changing the skyline in his home state and beyond. In recognition of his career accomplishments, Russ was honored as the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2001 in the Manufacturing category and was named a Kentucky Colonel, a prestigious honor that testifies to his leadership and vision.

Russ was also a lifelong motorsports enthusiast. This past May marked his 65th Indianapolis ‘500’, a tradition he cherished; he looked forward to each month of May in Indy. More than a spectator, over the years, Russ owned and campaigned USAC Sprint and Silver Crown cars and was a steadfast supporter of his sons’ racing pursuits. Racing was a shared passion between him and those he loved.

In 1966, Russ married his college sweetheart, Ann Peters. Together, they raised two children, instilling in them the same drive, kindness, and curiosity that defined Russ. Whether coaching on the soccer field, cheering ringside at a horse show, attending college volleyball matches across the country, or prepping racecars at the racetrack, he was always present, encouraging, guiding, and championing his kids to “give it their all”. He and Ann made so many cherished memories and traditions possible, winters together at their beloved ski cabin in Mammoth Lakes, California, warm summers at the storied family lake house in Indiana, and adventures abroad in search of new experiences.

Russ is survived by his daughter, Brittany Franken (Alex), his son John Sutton (Jenn), and five grandchildren: Luca, Rhys, Avery, Colby, and Sidney. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ann, and his younger brother, Rick.

Russ leaves behind a legacy of love, leadership, optimism, and laughter. He will be remembered as a mentor, a builder, a coach, and a loyal friend—forever loved and deeply missed.

• Burial service is private

• A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 8th, from 4pm to 6pm at Meridian Hills Country Club, located at 7099 Spring Mill Rd, Indianapolis, In 46260

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum.