[NFBMO] Tribute to our son Jason Sutton

[Gary Wunder]

Our Tribute to Jason

Inside left:

None of us is defined by our hardest days, nor is any of us remembered by
only one chapter of our lives. Jason's life, like every life, was filled
with both light and shadow. Together we gather to celebrate the love,
treasure the laughter, acknowledge the struggle, and leave room for grace.
May the memories that bring us together today become a source of comfort,
healing, and peace for every heart.

A Message from Jason

If I could say one more thing to everyone gathered here today, it would
simply be this: Thank you for being here to celebrate my life. I want you to
know that I love and appreciate you. To my son Ethan, you are the thing I am
most proud of in my life. Thank you for being my son. To my mom and dad,
thank you for loving me. To my sisters, thank you for being my family, and
to Finley, thank you for every cartwheel you ever showed me. You always made
me smile.

To all of you, please remember the good times, love one another, and take
care of each other.

Love,

Jason

Top Right

Order of Service

Welcoming and Opening Remarks, Chaplain Brian McAtee

Musical Selection: "Three Little Birds," by Bob Marley and the Wailers

Homily, Chaplain Brian McAtee

Eulogy, Kevin Herbert, Lifelong Friend

Words from Jason's Parents, Gary and Debbie Wunder

Reflections and Memories, Family and Friends

I can see Clearly Now by Johnny Nash

Closing Prayer, Chaplain Brian McAtee

 

Back page:

Obituary

Some journeys start in ordinary ways; Jason's didn't. On June 1, 1977, as
his grandmother navigated busy St. Louis streets on her way to the hospital,
she turned and asked Debbie, "Do you remember how we went the last time?"

Realizing they were headed in the wrong direction, Debbie said, "Oh no, Mom,
you are lost."

Shirley just smiled and said, "No, I'm just taking the scenic route."

The story became a family legend-a beginning that, in many ways, captured
the spirit of Jason's life: adventure, laughter, and turns you didn't quite
see coming.

Jason came into the world just as Star Wars was capturing imaginations
across America, and he never lost his sense of science-fiction wonder. As a
boy, he treasured his action figures, and throughout his life, he kept that
same childlike curiosity and joy.

On June 8, 2026, with his mom and dad by his side, Jason's earthly journey
came to a peaceful close. More than anything, Jason loved being Ethan's dad.
He was also devoted to his loyal companion Bill, whose steady presence was a
comfort through the years. One of Jason's favorite places was the Saint
Louis Zoo, where he especially loved visiting the elephants and watching
Jet.

Jason was lovingly raised by his biological mom, Debbie Wunder, and Gary
Wunder, the man he proudly called Dad. Jason was preceded in death by his
first love, Joanna Woody; his grandparents Joe and Shirley Sutton, Jim and
Darlene Worley, and Ely and Rose Ragan.

He is survived by his parents, Debbie and Gary Wunder; his biological
father, Mark Ragan; his beloved son, Ethan Perry Sutton; his daughter of the
heart, Jasmine Pearl; his sisters and their spouses, Megan and Dwayne Lacey,
Melissa and Chris Shackleford, and Abbey and Issac Radcliff; his aunts and
uncles, Joe and Chris Sutton and Paul and Kate Sutton; his bonus uncle, Neil
Caldwell; his faithful dog, Bill; and many extended family members and dear
friends who will miss him deeply.

A celebration of Jason's life will be held on Wednesday, July 29, at First
Baptist Church, 1112 E. Broadway, Columbia, Missouri. Family and friends are
invited to gather at 11:00 a.m. to enjoy a photo tribute. The service will
begin at noon, followed by a luncheon at 1:00 p.m. The gathering will be
held on the lower level. Please use the Waugh Street entrance. Parking and
elevator access are available.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person may join by Zoom. The
Zoom meeting information will be shared separately.

Flowers are welcome. Those wishing to honor Jason's memory may also make a
gift to the Saint Louis Zoo in celebration of his love for elephants,
especially Jet.

 

Pictures:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/n422x5ewpl97g6kksidtu/ALB3NQ262Z2fXhXf6Kzekkw
?rlkey=jird16qvgc1zn8myp6gcza5lb&dl=0

 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbmo_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260726/a4443f5f/attachment.htm>