Max Sutton Obituary

Max was a man I truly admired. From the time I first met him at my MLA interview for a position at the University of Kansas, he always treated me with kindness, respect, and great courtesy. He became not only a colleague, but also a friend. He was a true gentleman and Christian, besides being a talented and insightful scholar and a very talented and inspiring poet. I so enjoyed our conversations about literature and life and I was indeed pleased when he left me some of the books from his extensive library. I've missed him -- and Claire -- ever since they left Kansas and it makes me sad to think I won't see him again (at least in this life).

Max was very important to me growing up. The two Sutton boys and my brother Charles and I often played together on our grandparents' moutaintop farm in the Ozarks of our youth. Badminton, croquet, pee-wee football, anything active and sometimes competitive. We were two years apart in age down the line, with Max being eldest and I being youngest, so we wound up as a team competing against our brothers Bill and Charles, which, now that I think of it, was so unfair to Max. As the youngest, I was the weak link, see, but Max never complained. Anyway, he was like a big brother to me, never rough or mean, just a great role model. We both admired and adored our grandfather, Walter Long, also a teacher and poet, a great deal, and I think took a literary bent from him. Max lived with us when he was blazing his way through the University of Arkansas, so we´ve always felt very close to him and to the Suttons generally.

Many a year ago, I was Max's gift to Claire--a weekly babysitter for three fun kids to allow their mom time to be Claire--usually at the library, of course. I've always been touched by that thoughtfulness. Later, I got to know both Max and Claire better in an academic setting at KU, which confirmed my feeling about him: an honest, thoughtful man--a man who lived his beliefs. My best to you all. Love to you, Claire.

Dear Claire and family, I am so sorry to learn of Max´ transition from this earth. I know that he now has eternal life. You both were an inspiration for me and so many others. I pray for Max and for your family.

Max and Claire were very welcoming when my husband and I moved to Lawrence in 1989. Max as a colleague was always kind, humorous, and thoughtful. Faculty in the English Department generally got along with one another (and still do), but after a rather contentious discussion in one meeting, he gently reminded us that civility is crucial in any community. You are so right, Max!

Max was one of those rare people who provided so many positive services during his time on earth that it's difficult to choose which to mention as I bask in the joy of having been one of his friends and sigh as sweet memories of him flood through the sorrow of knowing I'll not see him again. My love and condolences go to Claire whose life has not always been easy, but it has been filled with love and service. Claire, you continue to be in my prayers.

I want to extend my sincere condolences to Claire and the family. I first met Max in the late 1970s when we both ran with the KU MadDogs faculty running group. He was a kind, gentle and thoughtful man, but also a pretty strong runner who could "pull" me along by chatting with me as we ran. We will all miss him.

Max and I were in a prayer group at KU and now he has graduated to his eternal destiny. He was a delightful and kind man who I considered a scholar and friend in Christ. I have not communicated with him for years, but he will always be a fond memory for me and someday I will join him in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Carl Burkhead

Dear Claire and family.
We are deeply saddened to learn of Max´s passing, but deeply grateful for his life, his friendship, and his devotion to others. I have notified Andrew, one of his many god children, so he might gift others as Max gifted him. Peace to you all during this time of trial.