Thomas Sutterer

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Thomas H. Sutterer, 82, of Perryville passed away Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, at his residence.

He was born June 9, 1938, in Perryville to Eloy and Iola Moll Sutterer. He and Geraldine "Gerry" Kiefer Sutterer were married Aug. 22, 1959, at St. Mary's of the Barrens. She survives in Perryville.

Tom was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. He served in the U.S. Army in counter intelligence in Berlin, Germany.

Tom's lasting legacy is that he was a community builder. From 1973-1979 he was the vice president of a large corporate lumber and home building center. From 1979-1988 he managed a local building components and roof truss plant. Tom's most distinguished career was as a building contractor, constructing over 30 custom homes in the community.

He also served many prominent roles within the community. He served on the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Labor and Housing Task Force. His devotion to growth for Perry County was evident by his service with the Lions Club, Rotary Club, City Council and 10 years with the Industrial Development Authority board. During his tenure, they acquired TG (U.S.A.), Solar Press and NPS Corporation as aggressive Perry County employers. He also served on the Perryville Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce, where he was instrumental in bringing the higher education center to Perry County. In addition, Tom served as presiding commissioner of Perry County from 1999-2006.

Tom loved spending time with his family and friends. He lived life to the fullest, playing cards, spending time at the family cabin, and camping. Tom left this world a better place than he found it each day of his life. He was loved by many in the community, and his infectious smile and personality will be dearly missed

Survivors include two sons, Keith Sutterer of Haslet, Texas, and Kurt (Sandra) Sutterer of Grand Rivers, Kentucky; daughter, Deanna (Jeff) Kline of Perryville; two brothers, Gerald and James Sutterer, both of Perryville; sister, Suzanne Gabriel of Chesterfield, Missouri; six grandchildren, Nicholas, Lauren, Chris, Kyle, Jennifer and Jessica; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Michael Sutterer.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Perryville. Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Joe Geders, C.M., officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Vincent de Paul Education Foundation or Perry County Community Foundation.

The family has requested that all attending please wear masks.

Ford and Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com.