Bill Sutherland

William Albert Sutherland, known to his family as "Bud" and to many others as "Bill," passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 91. After a courageous battle with kidney and congestive heart failure, Bill is now at rest, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and resilience.

Bill was born on May 3, 1933, in Douglas County, Missouri, to Bill and Blanche (Hutcheson) Sutherland. He was the third of five children and the only son in the family. He grew up in Mountain Grove, Missouri, where he worked the family’s land and livestock, developing a strong work ethic that would shape his entire life. During his high school years, Bill excelled athletically, running high hurdles and showcasing his talent as a fast-pitch softball pitcher, which later allowed him to play on competitive softball teams.

Soon after graduating high school, Bill answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. While stationed in Korea, he was "borrowed" by the U.S. Air Force to play in a fast-pitch softball tournament in Japan, where he led the Air Force to a championship victory. Throughout his life, Bill vividly recounted stories of his advanced combat training at Camp Pendleton as well as his boot camp experiences at MCRD, San Diego, and the lasting impact of Tall Bear, his tough-as-nails drill sergeant. 

Following his military service, Bill returned to Mountain Grove and worked for his father hauling livestock and grain and working at the stockyards. Eventually, Bill moved to Springfield and began working for Royal McBee Corporation, where he met his wife-to-be, Carol Watson. The two were married on November 18, 1963, in Miami, Oklahoma. They made their first home in Republic, Missouri, before Bill’s career with Lee Way Motor Freight relocated the family to Oklahoma City, where they lived for nearly two decades. As a long-haul truck driver, Bill was a dedicated provider and protector for his family, amassing over one million miles on the road while ensuring his wife and children were always cared for.

Bill’s interests and passions were as vast as his travels. He was an avid sports enthusiast, a devoted reader of Newsweek Magazine and Louis L’Amour novels, and a man who appreciated the value of staying fit. He instilled in his children a love for sports, encouraging them to stay active and to embrace the camaraderie of teamwork. Bill was able to fulfill his lifelong dream of returning to Mountain Grove for retirement, where he found peace and joy in the community he always called home.

Bill’s memory will be cherished by his children: Sherrie (Frank) Dixon of Yukon, OK; Alesia (Mike) Caron of Frisco, TX; Karen (Erik) Aspenson of Tulsa, OK; and Dain (Erika) Sutherland of Lowell, AR. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Nick and Natalie Dixon; Shaleh, Shyanne, and Sheridan Habeeb; Dain, Emma, Finn, and Beau Aspenson; and Joseph and Hannah Sutherland. Bill’s surviving sisters, Kathryn Carmack of Mountain Grove, MO; Jean (Jack) Parker of St. Charles, MO; and Judy (Jay) Moore of Springfield, MO, will forever hold their brother’s memory close to their hearts.

Bill was preceded in death by Carol; his parents, Bill and Blanche Sutherland; and his sister, Iladean (Vernon) Hardy.

William Albert Sutherland’s life was a testament to hard work, love, and commitment. His family and friends will remember him as a supportive husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who prioritized the well-being of those he loved. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Mountain Grove, Missouri, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will immediately follow at Clifty Hall Cemetery. In remembrance of Bill, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Clifty Hall Cemetery.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26