Eugene Norvin Sutherland passed away on January 11, 2024 at The Residential Living Center in Garnett Kansas.

Gene was born on January 18th 1934 at home on a farm in rural Woodson County to parents Marjorie May Wright Sutherland and Theodore Norvin Sutherland.

He attended school beginning at age 5 at Rosemond No. 9, then Graduated LeRoy High School in the class of 1951.

Being a dedicated member of 4H was a big part of his life  as he had lots of experience caring for livestock from early childhood.

He married Jeanette Elaine Brownfield on May 15, 1954 at the LeRoy United Methodist Church where they were both members. They celebrated both their 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries.

One of his favorite hobbies was flying. He acquired a pilots license at the airport in LeRoy, then had a shared ownership of a small airplane.

He was proceeded in death by his wife Jeanette Sutherland, mother Marjorie Sutherland, father T.N. Sutherland, brothers Donald Sutherland and Larry Sutherland; Great Granddaughters Cheyanne Louise Branson and Aubrie Makenna Smith.

He is survived by sons Ted Eugene Sutherland, LeRoy, Shane Alan Sutherland, his wife Ellen, LeRoy; daughters Sue Janene Sutherland Davis, her husband Fred, Waverly and Mari Ann Sutherland Drago, Ottawa. He is also survived by 12 Grandchildren, 36 Great Grandchildren, 2 Great Great Granddaughters and long term friend Sharon Rich.

Gene had a strong work ethic as he made a living by trucking, farming, ranching, custom harvesting and was part owner of Sutherland Farm Equipment, the Allis-Chalmers dealership in LeRoy. He retired at age 80.

His passion was tractor pulls. He was a nationally renowned puller in the 70's. He had many trophy's and an amazing reputation for running the "Baby Joker", his 180 Allis out of the gate. He was the president of the Kansas Tractor Pulling Association for several years.

He loved reading about history and sharing stories, occasionally with improvisation and theatrics but always interesting, educational and definitely entertaining.

Funeral Service will be held Thursday, January 18th at 2:00 pm, at Jones Funeral Home, Burlington, KS. The visitation will take place an hour before the funeral service on the same day.

Due to the inclement weather conditions family will be having a Private Burial Service at the cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Southern Coffey County Honor Flight and may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839

Funeral will be livestreamed at this link:

https://www.facebook.com/jonesfuneralhomeburlingtonks