Leon Myron Sutton

Leon Sutton Sr., Esquire was born on August 12, 1959 at Providence Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the second of five children born to Gladys Marie Sutton and James Ray Sutton, Sr. He was baptized at a young age and became a member of City Temple Baptist Church in Baltimore. Leon's charismatic personality shone brightly from childhood, as he charmed his way into leadership roles among family, friends, and peers. His penchant for adventure led his siblings into both mischief and memorable adventures, like pooling money for a surprise Bahamas trip for their parent's anniversary. His early passion for sports was fueled by his love for Maryland and Baltimore collegiate and professional sports. His competitive spirit and dedication to honing his athletic skills had him on various football, basketball and baseball teams throughout the city. As he matured, Leon's gift for debate and love of challenging opposing views became legendary. He engaged in weekly debates with a friend that tested the friendship but never diminished the bond. Leon's educational journey began in the Baltimore City Public School System and was marked by his brilliance and academic excellence. He honed his leadership skills through active participation in Student Government, demonstrating his ability to inspire and influence others positively. In 1977, Leon graduated from the prestigious "A" Course at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, affectionally known as "Poly." This was foundational in shaping his intellectual development and setting the stage for his future endeavors. At Poly, Leon not only excelled academically but also discovered his athletic abilities in Track and Field. It was at Poly (and sister school Western) that he met and forged forever friendships that endured throughout his life. Leon made the monumental decision to attend Lincoln University, the oldest historically black university, in 1977 on a Track and Field scholarship while majoring in Biology. Thus began his journey as a "Lincoln Man" and his lifelong relationship with the university. At Lincoln, he became deeply involved in campus life, participating in various activities. He was a member of the Track and Field team throughout his tenue, President of the Pan-Hellenic Council, a DJ at the school radio station WWLU, and a recognized leader among the student body. One of his most notable experiences was when he led a protest to lock the school down in support of student rights. In the fall of 1978, Leon pledged and became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Nu Chapter. His line name was "Deputy Dog." He took great pride in being a member of this esteemed fraternity. Leon proudly embodied the principles of Alpha as a "Servant of All" and dedicated his life to serving and bettering mankind. He took great pride in being a member of Alpha Phi Alpha. It was more than just an affiliation, it was a source of strength, support, and lifelong relationships that deeply enriched his life. Upon graduating from Lincoln University, Leon remained an active alumnus attending Homecomings and Graduation/Alumni weekends. He planned and attended various Lincoln-related functions as a Guest Speaker, Vendor, or Attendee, and even returned as the Assistant Director of Student Activities. An avid recruiter, he encouraged many family and friends to join the Lincoln University family. Passionate about Lincoln's legacy, he supported leadership, made speeches, and wrote letters on behalf of the alumni, earning the moniker "Mr. Lincoln" in his later years. He also authored two books on Lincoln's legacy, titled A Lincoln Love Story and Lincoln Strong. While at Lincoln, he met and fell in love with Allivone "Bonnie." They eventually married in 1988 and remained together until his death. After graduation Leon began his career while starting a family with Bonnie and fathering three children. In 1992, he moved to Bonnie's hometown of Saint Louis to attend the prestigious Saint Louis University. While there he became very close with his in-laws who affectionally nicknamed him "Lee-Bo." In 1997, he earned his Juris Doctorate from Saint University Law School. His distinguished and varied work background, included roles as an Attorney, Scientist, Teacher, Magazine Editor, Entrepreneur, and Arthor. He was passionate and could talk endlessly about any field he pursued. He was very outgoing and made "family" everywhere he went. In his leisure time, he enjoyed listening and dancing to House music and was an avid reader. Even after seven strokes and a major brain surgery in 2017, he continued to read over 100 books. Thoughtful and intellectual, Leon could converse on a wide variety of subjects. He was highly creative and enjoyed painting, woodworking, as well as writing poems, novels, and essays. He also enjoyed collecting and wearing National Negro League baseball jerseys. He coached little league baseball, softball, and basketball alongside his brother and son-in-law, helping to develop the athletic abilities of his son, grandsons, nephews, cousins, and neighborhood youth. He was passionate about his family, even naming himself the "Patriarch" of the family despite having an older uncle and brother. He stressed the importance on maintaining the family legacy to the younger generation by sharing family stories, anecdotes. and advice. He loved to share stories about the achievements and experiences of his children and grandchildren with friends and family. One his last passion projects was planning a family event to honor the last living sibling of his mother, Uncle Carl. Leon served as an advisor to many. While battling cancer and healing from several strokes, he encouraged many by showcasing his faith, strength, bravery, determination and resilience. Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys & James Ray Sutton, his elder sister Cicely Wilson, and younger brother Darryl Sutton. He leaves behind to cherish his memory: his wife, Allivone; his daughter Talea (Demetric); his two sons, Leon Jr. and Leon Jr. his brother, James Sutton Jr. (Sonia), and sisters, Wanda Sutton and Tanya Sutton. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Demetric Jr., Jahmal, Jamon, Layla Skye, Jayceon, Cairo, Layla. Karter, Jahmoree, & Maddox; sisters-in-law, Johnella, Mary, Yvonne, Monique, Rachelle, Gayvell, & Shonte; brothers-in-law, Charles, Robert, and Kenneth; uncle, Carl Greene, aunt, Mary Greene and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins & Friends.

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Leon Myron Sutton

August 12, 1959 - May 10, 2024