Jon Elbert Suttle

Jon Elbert Suttle

Jon Elbert Suttle 78, went to be with Jesus in his eternal home in Heaven, Sunday, April 23, 2023 a memorial service will be at the Carter-Smart Funeral Home Chapel on June 3, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Jon was born December 2, 1944 in Duncan, Oklahoma to E. L. “Sonny” Suttle and Lura Mae “Cooper” Suttle. He grew up in Duncan with 3 years in Colorado Springs at age 10 to 13 then back to Duncan. He graduated from Duncan High School in 1963. He attended NSU at Tahlequah, Oklahoma having lots of fun. He was a member of PRCA being an outstanding Calf Roper, and past member of the National Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association. He worked at Arlington Park Racetrack in Chicago, Illinois then Oaklawn Park Racetrack in Hot Springs, Arkansas, working the gates, being an Outrider & was Sec. for HBPA, then at Pompano Park Racetrack, he was the “Starter” in Florida. Last he worked Bossier City, La. At Louisiana Downs as the “Starter”. In 1973 he worked gate at Churchill Downs at the Kentucky Derby, and he got Carol to ride on starting gate and got to pet “Secretariat”. He moved back home to Duncan and helped his Dad train Thoroughbreds from home, and they raced at Remington Park at Oklahoma City. After that they started training Barrell Horses and helped take care of his mom Lura Mae Suttle and later after his Dad had a stroke, he took care of him and he did a good job. He also loved playing golf.

Dad & him were friends with Michele McLeod and helped her to journey to the NFR. Jon E. loved “Slick” by Design, he also helped her beautiful daughters, Katelyn McLeod Price and Lindsey McLeod Muggli.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Dessie Cooper & Ellie & Faye Suttle. Sister Linda Suttle Bowden, brother-in-law; Bob Bowden and extended family Jo Ann Dillard.

He is survived by his daughter; Jennifer Suttle Reynolds & husband Bart, grandchildren; Sydney, Ella & Ryan. Daughter; Sherry Suttle, and sister; Cindy Suttle Johnson & husband Kelly, niece; Cortney Claborn & husband Shane, and great-nephews; Connor and Colton Claborn. Nephew; Billy Bowden and wife Sandy, great-niece; Shy’ Anne Bowden Jarrett and husband Ryan and great-great niece; Jurnee Jarrett. Niece; Terri Strecker and husband Rory, great niece; Torri Strecker. Great nephews’ Clay Strecker and wife Sarah, niece Christy Bowden Dillard, great nephew; Zac Sanders, Nic Dillard and wife Rachel and great-great nephew Carden Dillard. Extended family, Michele McLeod and her daughters; Lindsey McLeod Muggli and Katelyn McLeod Price and Robert McClung close friend.

Many thanks to preacher Snip Allen for being Jon E.’s “Best Buddy” the last years. Jon was a member of Open Range Cowboy Church in Duncan, Oklahoma.

A big thank you to Marlow Manor Nursing Home Staff for taking such good care of him. They said he was their favorite. One story they told at the end was he told them he was waiting on his Daddy to come get him on his horse and they were going to go riding. Jon E was one of a kind.

In lieu of flowers make donations to Open Range Cowboy Church building fund in Jon E’s name P.o. Box 8 Duncan, Oklahoma 73534.

Jon E. loved working with horses and was the “BEST” with breaking and getting used to everything. Jo Ann always said he was the best grooming them he made them shine. “See you later Buddy Fly High”!  

Online condolences may be sent to www.cartersmartfuneralhome.com        

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