Gordon Lee Sutherlin

GORDON LEE SUTHERLIN

          Gordon Lee Sutherlin, “Gordy”, 81, of Excelsior Springs, MO, passed away March 28, 2024, at home with family at his side.

          Gordy was born February 3, 1943, in Sedalia, MO, the youngest of three children of Edward Cleo and LuVella Mae (Reed) Sutherlin. Along with his parents, Gordy was preceded in death by his brother, Dale Sutherlin. 

          Gordy grew up in Smithton, MO, and graduated from Smithton High School in 1961.   He was united in marriage to Mays Elizabeth Hayes on May 12, 1964, and they are blessed with two sons, Timothy Lee and Jeffery Lee.

          Following high school graduation, Gordy began work in the Social Security Administration mailroom.  In 1965, he joined the Army Reserves and later National Guard, serving for six years.   He retired from the Social Security Administration as a benefits authorizer in 1981 due to severe diabetes.

          Gordy was an avid turkey, pheasant and quail hunter and fisherman.  He refused to hunt deer because they were too beautiful.   He operated a bait shop in Paradise, MO, at Smithville Lake, worked at the entrance gate at Smithville Lake, was a gun dealer, and worked in an engine repair shop fixing lawn mowers.

          Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Mays; sons, Tim Sutherlin (Miki) and Jeff Sutherlin (Sundi); Courtney Sutherlin, Hayley Reeps (Bryce), and Brody Sutherlin; great grandchildren, Natalie, Brynlin, and Karter. He also leaves his sister, Margie Leaton and her family.

          Visitation will be held from 2-4 pm, with military honors at 3:00 pm, on Saturday April 20, at Park Lawn Northland Chapel, I-35 at State Route 291, Liberty, MO.   

          You may share a message with the family or sign an online guest book via www.parklawnfunerals.com.  Arrangements: Park Lawn Northland Chapel (816) 781-8228.