John H. Sudduth (84) passed away peacefully on December 3rd at the age of 84 with his family nearby. We are comforted in knowing he is in heaven. John was born in Kansas City, Mo, and attended Kansas State University graduating with a degree in Grain Milling. He married his beloved wife, Shirley, in 1958 and had three children: Robert, Linda and Peter. He was employed at Topeka Mill and Elevator in Topeka, KS where he was highly regarded in his industry and recognized as one of the best at his job. In 1978, he advanced his career by accepting a sales/buying position with Valley Grain Products in Madera, CA. He continued after its sale to ADM and retired soon after.
John was heavily invested in his community. In Topeka he was active in the 20/30 Club and in Madera he joined the Madera Breakfast Lions Club where he was a member for 43 years with perfect attendance. He served as President twice, Zone Chairman, and on many committees, which included the Lions Foundation Eyeglass Collection Program, Camp Pacifica Lions Camp, and CA Fish and Wildlife Pheasant Hunt for the Physically Challenged. He participated in events such as serving a hot lunch in the field for the Pheasant Hunt participants, delivering tri tip dinners, and managing the Lions Booth at Town and Country Park. In 1999, John was nominated and awarded the highest award in Lionism, the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for humanitarian service to his community. He was a living example of the Lions Club motto in word and deed: We Serve.
John had a passion for many community events. He and Shirley started the Trees for Charity Auction many years ago. It is now a mainstay in Madera and the community looks forward to it each year. John was also active in the administration of Relay for Life for many years.
Madera United Methodist Church was a huge part of John’s life. His faith in God and integrity of spirit sustained him and his church family was very dear to him. He served on most of the church committees, but serving on the Finance Team for many years was his gift to the church. John had a passion for numbers and budgeting as this was his expertise. He also spent many years serving turkey dinners for Thanksgiving.
John was an avid golfer. He played many golf courses around the country on his travels and was a past member of Madera Country Club. He also enjoyed hunting for dove and pheasant for Thanksgiving dinner!
John enjoyed traveling with Shirley. They traveled the United States in their motorhome for several years visiting family and friends, and they took trips to China, Russia, and the Amazon Rain Forest. They enjoyed cruises through the Alaska Glaciers, Panama Canal, and Trans-Atlantic to Africa to name a few.
John is survived by his wife, Shirley Sudduth of 62 years and his brother Edward Sudduth of Sonora, CA, his children, Robert Sudduth of Cayce, SC, Linda Westcott of Auburn, WA and Peter Sudduth of Roseburg, OR. four grandchildren: William Westcott Jr of Colorado Springs, CO, Christina Sudduth of Miami, FL, Chris Westcott of Beaverton, OR and Kimberly Wadagnolo of Bothell, WA. He is also survived by 9 great-grandchildren: Melodi (10), Erica (8), William (6), Theodore (3), James (3), Zander (3), Arya (1), Judah (1) and Alexander (1). John was preceded in death by his parents, William (Bill) and Louise Sudduth and brothers William (Bill) Sudduth and Charles Sudduth. Celebration of Life will be sometime in 2021.
Remembrances may be made to: Madera United Methodist Church 500 Sunset Ave Madera, CA 93637
