Delmar “Del” Paul Sutherland, 86, of St. Joseph, Missouri, formerly of Falls City, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, April 30, 2016 at Mosaic Life Care, St. Joseph.  

He was born January 22, 1930, in Elm Creek, Nebraska, the eighth child of Emma and James Sutherland. He was the oldest of the three little kids as they were referred to by the family. When he was 50, his mother said, “My land. You three little kids are middle aged!” His parents and eight siblings preceded him in death. A sister, Neva Brindle, Hagerstown, Maryland, survives.

Sixty years ago he married Joyce Metzgar at the Congregational Church in David City, Nebraska, who survives him.

He is also survived by children, Paula (Bob), Quinten (Julie), Leah and Sherman (Rae); grandchildren, Alicia, Carla, Stephanie, Eric, Jonah, Tara, and Veda; and a wealth of friends and relatives.

He graduated from Overton, Nebraska, High School and the University of Nebraska, Kearney. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict.

For 35 years he was the sports/city editor of The Falls City Journal, a job he dearly loved. He liked the people he worked for and the people he worked with. He often said he never regretted going to work. He met people from all over Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri.

       Del was a member of Francis Street/First United Methodist Church in St. Joseph, past president of Nebraska Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association, past president of the St. Joseph Historical Society (Robidoux Row), member and P.E.R. of Falls City Elks Lodge No. 963, past district deputy of the Grand Exalted Ruler, past president of the Falls City Lions Club, and the Falls City City Council. He was also an elector for the Heisman Trophy.

He also was past president of High Twelve, and belonged to Falls City Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star. He belonged to the High De Paynes Commandery, York Rite, Moila shrine and the Red Cross of Constatine.

He liked to play golf and try out different golf courses. He was an avid reader and book collector. He read about everything, but he especially liked Louis L’amour books, and he was proud to be the owner of every book written by Zane Grey. He especially enjoyed a visit to the Zane Grey Museum in Zanesville, Ohio, a few years ago.

Del liked gathering with friends, playing cards, family reunions, hosting Halloween parties, yellow roses and worthy causes. Years ago, he donated his body to the Nebraska Anatomical Board for study and research. Among his favorite worthy causes were Robidoux Row, Salvation Army, Child Saving Institute of Omaha, Nebraska, and Francis Street First United Methodist Church.

Farewell Services 3:00 P.M. Thursday, Francis Street First United Methodist Church. The family will gather with friends following the service at their home. Care provided by Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.