Zachary Edward Sutton

Funeral services for Mr. Zachary Edward Sutton, 41, of Linden, Texas, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 7, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Linden. Burial will follow at Center Grove Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Linden. There will be a time of visitation with family and friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 6, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Linden.

Zachary Edward Sutton was born on June 5, 1985, in Linden, Texas, to Thurman Dwayne and Katrina Sutton.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thurman Dwayne Sutton; and his grandparents, Edward and Mattie Sutton and George and Johanna Haley.

Zach is survived by his mother, Katrina Sutton; his brothers, Chance Sutton and wife Tiffany and Chase Sutton and wife Soundra; uncles, Jeff Haley and wife Cheryl and Russ Hayley and wife Donna; and his brothers and sister by choice, Wayne Kerr and wife Kristen, James Fitch and wife Hannah, Josh Ogden, and Melody and husband Todd.

He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Ryan Tremont, Chance “Deuce” Sutton, Travis Sutton, Josey Owen, Cambree and Jackson Kerr, Cheyenne Dooley, and Luke, Jonah, and Penny Fitch. Zach also served as godfather to numerous children of his dear friends. He shared a special relationship with his second cousins, Abby and Anna, who loved playing practical jokes on him.

Zach graduated from Hughes Springs High School in 2003. Following graduation, he entered the United States Air Force, where he completed SERE training and served in the 72nd Bio-Medical Squadron. He was later deployed to the Middle East.

After receiving his honorable discharge from the Air Force in 2009, Zach earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies. He continued his education at the University of Texas at Arlington, earning a Master of Science in Geology and Petroleum. While attending U.T. Arlington, he also taught and managed the geology lab.

Following his education, Zach worked for Encana, where he used satellite data to assist in drilling oil wells. When Encana closed its Dallas office, Zach chose to remain in Texas rather than relocate with the company so he could continue his education at U.T. Arlington. He earned a Master of Business Administration while also pursuing a career in cybersecurity.

Zach later returned to Linden to help care for his father and spend more time with his parents. During this time, he chose to become a high school science teacher. Zach loved being a teacher, making a difference in the lives of his students, and providing them with a safe place where they felt supported and encouraged.

Zach demonstrated his love for others through his passion for cooking. His smile in the kitchen was contagious. He studied recipes and created elaborate, home-cooked meals to help others through difficult times, celebrate happy memories, or brighten a bad day. No one went hungry on his watch.

To honor Zach’s memory, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Hughes Springs Backpack Blessing Program, which provides additional nutrition to students experiencing food insecurity. Donations may be made by contacting Katrina Abernathy at 903-639-3806 or mailed to Hughes Springs ISD, c/o Katrina Abernathy, 871 Taylor Street, Hughes Springs, Texas 75656.

Those serving as pallbearers will be Wayne Kerr, Jackson Kerr, James Fitch, Josh Ogden, Tom McEnroe, Clint “Goose” Sterling, Corey Marshall, and Gabrielle  Hall.

Honorary pallbearers will be Daniel Sutton, Rex Sutton, Glen Sutton, Travis Sutton, Dennis Jackson, Cris Weston, Jeff Haley, and Wes Haley.