Obituary of Ed Sutherland

Edwin E. Sutherland, 90, of Doniphan died Friday May 14, 2010 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. Sutherland was born near Heber Springs, Arkansas, July 9, 1919, the son of the late G.B. and Amanda (Martin) Sutherland who both predeceased him. He was also predeceased by Veta, his wife of 67 years, his brothers, Carlos Sutherland and Melvin Sutherland, and sisters Myrtle Garrison and Esther Braschler. He is survived by sisters Bessie Yarber of Doniphan and Clarice Puryear of Independence, Kansas, as well as many nieces and nephews. Ed was four years old when his family moved by horse-drawn wagon from Arkansas to Ripley County and became a neighbor of Veta Featherston, his future wife. Ed said that he fell in love with her at the age of 8 when she sat in front of him at Barkadaro School. It was a true love that lasted a lifetime. While still a teenager, he went to work for Charles McGee Meat Market where he trained to be a meat cutter. During WWII, he served for more than three years in Central and South America, providing meat for the troops. After the war he worked for Kroger, running its meat department until the Doniphan store closed. He and Veta created the AG Market, which they operated for more than 26 years. While they were still running the store, he started raising beef cattle on their farm outside of town. He was the first cattleman in Ripley County to breed and raise Brahmans. His breeding stock was sought after by buyers all over the United States and several foreign countries. He was also the first to add Belgian Blues to his herd. He ran a one-man operation ably assisted by Panda, his devoted Border Collie. Ed was a life-long member of the First Church of God. He served as usher, trustee and member of several boards. Ed was also a member of the V.F.W. Post #3485. Visitation will be Monday evening, May 17, 2010, from 5-8 PM at Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan. The funeral service will be Tuesday, May 18, at 10:00 AM at the Doniphan Church of God with Brother Larry Bashaw and Brother Larry Earls officiating. Burial will be in the Doniphan City Cemetery.