John Stephen Sutherlin

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, John Barton Sutherlin and Dorothy Dittmar.

He is survived by his wife of five years, Kim Hansen; his aunt, Georgia Dittmar; his sister, Pam Voorhees (Gordon); his nieces, Jennifer Rollins (Rich), Katie Ochoa (Cort), and Lisa Dopf (Brandon); and his stepsons, Nels Hansen (Kelly) and Mickey Hansen (Valarie).

Steve had a normal childhood growing up in Denver, Colorado. He loved the mountains and became an accomplished skier. Following high school, Steve attended the Colorado School of Mines and graduated in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering. After graduating from Mines, Steve served in the United States Army for six years and graduated from the United States Army Engineer School in 1972. After his service in the Army, Steve began his career in the oil and gas industry with Amoco Production Company. Following Amoco, he worked at several small oil companies and did consulting work. Steve ended his career at Shell Oil, retiring in 2012 after 15 years.

Steve had no shortage of ways to stay busy in retirement. He shared a love of travel, the arts, museums, and great food with his wife, Kim. He also enjoyed birding, cycling, going to the gym, enjoying Taco Tuesdays and margaritas with friends, and spending time with the "Friday Lunch Playboys" every week. Steve loved working on cars. Through the years, he restored a 1967 Corvette, a 1967 Ferrari 365 GT, and a 1973 Ferrari Dino GTS. He loved talking cars with everyone.

Steve never knew a stranger. Those who knew Steve knew him as an incredibly loving and generous man who spread kindness to those around him. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

A celebration of Steve’s life will take place on Saturday, August 29, at 11 a.m. at the Quail Valley Golf Club in Missouri City, Texas, with a reception to follow.