Thomas David Sutton, 77, of State College, died Saturday, May 24, 2008 at Mount Nittany Medical Center. A native of Altoona, he was born June 22, 1930, the only child of George Meek and Margaret Davis Sutton. As a youth, he had a keen interest in aeronautics and aircraft and excelled in science and mathematics, graduating as valedictorian from Altoona High School in 1948 and winning a Gold Medal Award from the Pennsylvania Academy of Science. At that time he also served in the U.S. Naval Reserve aboard the heavy cruiser U.S.S. Rochester. He went on to serve 27 years in the U.S. Air Force, with tours of duty in such varied locations as Scotland, Japan, Germany and Turkey. He received the Air Force Commendation Medal three times. After retirement from his military career, he served as a consular officer with the U.S. Foreign Service in Russia, England, Germany, Canada and the Philippines, retiring from the State Department after 15 years of service. His two great interests were travel and higher education. He succeeded in putting together three college degrees over the years, as time allowed, receiving a master's degree from the University of Maryland and baccalaureate degrees from Syracuse University and the University of Southern California. He also taught courses abroad for the University of Maryland. He was a member of both Mensa and Intertel and enjoyed nothing more than applying himself to academic pursuits. When he retired to live in State College, he began work on his doctoral dissertation in public administration. He was a beloved and caring husband and father to his wife of 54 years, Christina Fraser Sutton, and his daughter, Victoria Sutton, both of whom survive. Following a lifetime of service to his country and at his request, he will be cremated. A memorial service and burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Koch Funeral Home, State College. [Published in the Centre Daily Times on 5/25/2008]