Roy "Sonny" Franklin Sutton

Sonny was born to Grace (Burn) Sutton and Roy Sutton Sr. on October 11th, 1937, in Mount Vernon, MO. He was educated in the Mount Vernon, MO School District. During his teenage years, Sonny couldn’t deny his enthusiasm to train American Saddlebred Horses. Like his father Roy Sr. and older brother Bill Sutton, he chose the professional path of horse training. At the age of 18, Sonny gained two years of valuable experience working for legendary trainer, Tom Moore. Sonny married Doris Sutton in 1958 and they had two daughters Kelly and Kim. In his early twenties, Sonny began training and breeding American Saddlebreds for Elizabeth Schell in Liberty, Missouri. For the next 22 years Sonny successfully trained and bred many horses that made it to the winner’s circle at the American Royal. By this time Sonny’s exceptional talents and showmanship were being recognized on the national stage. Sonny started exhibiting horses in Louisville, KY.

Starting in the 1980’s Sonny opened Sonny Sutton Stables and went on to win Seventeen World and Reserve World Championships. Sonny has been honored with many professional awards over his 60-year career, including his induction into the 2016 International Saddlebred Hall of Fame. In his later years, Sonny enjoyed spending time with his partner of 26 years Terry Edens Sutton. They spent a lot of time at the barn with their beloved Corgi “Shooter.” Terry stood by his side until his passing. Sonny remained in close contact with sister-in-law Joanne Sutton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Grace Sutton, his siblings, Bill Lee Sutton, Shirley O’Brien, and Lavada Hall.

Sonny is survived by his wife, Terry Edens Sutton; his daughters, Kelly Elmore, and Kim VanMeter (Shawn); his granddaughter, Amy Barchers (Kent); Joanne Sutton his sister- in-law, as well as many other relatives and friends.

Memories of Sonny may be left for the family at www.churcharcherpasley.com, as arrangements are under the direction of Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home, 816-781-2000.