Ken Sutton Memorial Scholarship

Kenneth Sutton was born December 27, 1938, in Pierre, SD.  He graduated from Onida High School in 1957.  He received his bachelor's degree in animal science from SDSU in 1961 and was a member of the Statesman Choir, was active in the rodeo club and served as student body president while at State.

After graduation, Ken returned home and managed the Sutton Brothers ranch at Morristown.  He later purchased the John Bush ranch west of Onida where he and his family lived.  They then moved to Pierre where they raised registered herds of Simmental and Saler cattle along with a commercial cowherd, as well as Quarter Horses and grain crops.  Ken was a certified A. I. tech, a community trained "vet", and a successful "surgeon".

Ken moved to the Black Hills in 1992 and worked at Hersrud's.  He also worked for a livestock supply business in Rapid City until he moved to Burlington, Co, to become the assistant manager of the Burlington Livestock Auction.  He married Rita (Barber) Stevens on May 22, 1999, at Burlington, CO.

Ken was always involved in horse and cattle organizations.  He was a former president of the Central States Fair Board in Rapid City.  He also enjoyed announcing rodeos.  Ken died August 28, 2004, at the Sturgis Community Health Care Center.

Ken had one daughter, Kellie (Mike) Yackley; two sons, Travis "TJ" Sutton and Tyler Sutton; two stepsons, Todd (Tricia) Stevens and Troy (Stephanie) Stevens; along with several grandchildren.