DONALD "DON" LUCINDA "CINDY" (HUSON) SUTPHIN

Donald Melvin and Lucinda Mae (Huson) Sutphin, married for fifty-three years, died together with their dog Gus on Sunday, October 31, 2021, in a plane crash near Harrison, Nebraska. Life-long residents of Wyoming, Don and Cindy are remembered as beloved school teachers and as owners of The Auto & Bike Shop in Douglas, Wyoming, where they raised their daughters and continued to reside. They are highly esteemed in the community by friends, students, neighbors, and business patrons. The Sutphins were snowbirds and enjoyed their winter home and many friends in Maricopa, Arizona for the last thirteen years. 

Don was born in Casper, Wyoming, on Tuesday, September 28, 1948 the son of Melvin Leon and Henrietta Helen (Stuka) Sutphin. He was in the first graduating class of Kelly Walsh High School. He was a star basketball player, went on to play in college, and eventually coach. He taught biology and chemistry for more than 40 years in Douglas. His students and players remember his humor and enthusiasm. Don may be best known for all of his hobbies, including restoring classic cars, building and riding motorcycles, and his obsession of sports. He was also an accomplished pilot and was a certified ground school and flight instructor. He served on the Converse County Airport Board and the Casper College Alumni Board.

Cindy was born in Newcastle, Wyoming, on Wednesday, October 5, 1949, the daughter of Harry M. and Vera L. (Dabney) Huson, and was the middle of three girls. She enjoyed cheerleading in high school and she taught at a rural elementary school near Douglas prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom, which was her favorite job in the world. She worked in the choir department in the high school for a time after their daughters left home, and she kept the books and helped manage the auto shop. Cindy’s very favorite place was a family cabin in the Bighorn Mountains. She loved shopping and reading, and embraced all of Don’s many hobbies.

Don and Cindy were high school sweethearts and both graduated from the University of Wyoming. They were married in Casper on October 19, 1968. They loved their children and grandchildren more than anything, and many of their activities and hobbies revolved around their family life. Over the years, they travelled around the state and beyond for golf and cross-country events, volleyball and basketball tournaments, track meets, and to take their daughters hiking, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, and boating. Don and Cindy shared a love for riding motorcycles and they rode thousands of miles together and with friends, including many trips to Sturgis. Together they enjoyed travelling, caring for their Shih Tzu dogs, movies and concerts, and attending car shows. Don and Cindy loved visiting their grandchildren in Ohio, escaping to the family cabin in the Bighorns, drinking coffee by the palm trees, and cooking and serving food at the Wyoming State Fair.

Don and Cindy are survived by their daughter, Mandy (Wes) Roberts of Morral, Ohio, and their dearly loved grandchildren Jack, Lola and Katie Roberts. They are also survived by Cindy’s father, Harry Huson, and her sisters, Marsha (Jim) Milek and Karen Kastner. 

Don and Cindy were preceded in death by their children Donnie, Jimmy, and Angie Sutphin; granddaughter, Amelia Roberts; and parents, Vera Huson and Melvin and Henrietta Sutphin.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 405 North Sixth Street, Douglas, Wyoming at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Todd Weber officiating.

Donations can be made to the Don & Cindy Sutphin Memorial account at Converse County Bank, P.O. Box 689, Douglas, Wyoming, 82633 or to the charity of your choice.

The Gorman Funeral Homes – Converse Chapel of Douglas, Wyoming is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com

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