DUTTON, Jay M. - b. January 25, 1927 - d. December 23, 2020

[patyrn]

Jay M. Dutton of Colony, Kansas passed away December 23, 2020.  He was born January 25, 1927 in Iola, Kansas to William George and Marietta (Gillispie) Dutton during the middle of the Great Depression. 

Jay grew up  on the family farm west of Neosho Falls, Kansas.  He graduated from Neosho Falls High School in 1945 and then attended Pittsburg State University for a time.  In 1948, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving two years during the ending of World War II and earning the rank of Yeoman Third Class.  Upon discharge, he returned to Neosho Falls where he married his high school sweetheart, Virginia P. George on April 11, 1948.

Jay received his Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Pittsburg State University and his Masters degree in Administration from Colorado State College of Education in Greeley, Colorado.  In 1952, Jay began teaching at Longton, Kansas.  During his 37-year teaching career, he taught business classes in Longton (1952-1956), Burlingame (1956-1959), Kincaid, and Colony Kansas (1960-1989).  Jay was the Superintendent of Schools in Thayer, Kansas from 1959-1960 before moving to Colony in the fall of 1960.  He retired from teaching in 1989.  His greatest love was spending time with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially attending their school activities when he could.

Jay enjoyed gardening and growing flowers.  He was an active member of the communities in which he lived.  He was a member of the Colony Community Church where he served many roles including Trustee and Treasurer.  He was a  longtime active member of the Colony Lions Club where he served three times as president and was District Governor from 1970-1971.  He was proud of the club's accomplishments while he served in leadership which included constructing Colony's first heated fire barn attached to the old city hall and the Committal Building in the cemetery.  Jay also served on the City Council and was a member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion.

Jay is survived by his wife of 72 years, Virginia, of their home; two sons, Jerry (Elizabeth) Dutton of Meadow Valley, California and David Dutton of Granger, Indiana; his daughter, Jaye (Jim) Miller of Garnett, Kansas; eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; two step-gret-great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Everette Dutton, Lynn Dutton, and Orville Dutton;  a sister, Wilma Johnson; a daughter-in-law, Marinda Dutton; and a great-grandson, Knox Jay Dutton.

Funeral services were held on December 30, 2020 at the Colony Community Church with Pastor Steve Buiba officiating.  Interment followed in the Colony Cemetery.  It was Jay's request that memorial contributions be made to the Colony First Responders or the Colony Lions Club.  Condolences to the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.  Feuerborn Funeral Home of Iola, Kansas was in charge of arrangements.

(taken from the Feuerborn Funeral Home website)