Steven Edward Sutherlin

Steven Edward Sutherlin
August 15, 1953 - December 28, 2023

Steven Edward Sutherlin, 70, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at his home in Overland Park, Kansas on December 28th, 2023. Born August 15th, 1953 to Edward L. and Madeline VanderFeltz Sutherlin in Independence, Missouri, Steve attended Nativity of Mary Grade School, Archbishop O'Hara High School, the University of Missouri - Columbia, and received a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Missouri - Kansas City. He was an Eagle Scout in Boy Scout Troop 178 and a Member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

Steve was an influential and greatly admired leader in the optical industry who got his start at an early age folding mailing boxes on Sundays for Sutherlin Optical, the family optical lab. He began working at the lab in 1974 and became president in 1991, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Working alongside three of his siblings, Mike, Laura, and John, Steve grew Sutherlin Optical into one of the largest independent labs in the United States. In 2006, he created and trademarked two major products, Clarion XS and XTC Coatings, and in 2007 Sutherlin Optical became an Essilor Partner Lab.

Steve retired from Sutherlin Optical in 2015 but remained an active and respected voice within the industry, working as the Lab Division Liaison for The Vision Council until 2020. Throughout his career, he served in many roles (including president and treasurer) on the board of directors of Lightbenders, Inc between 1992 and 2007, was a board member of the Midwest Optical Laboratories Association from 1998-2007 (serving as president from 2005-2006), and as a board member of the Kansas City Free Eye Clinic.

Among his numerous achievements, Steve was a two-time recipient of the Missouri Optometric Association Friend of Optometry award and received the Kansas Optometric Association Vision Service Award. He was inducted into the Optical Lab Association (now Lab Division) Hall of Fame in 2008 and was awarded the Director's Choice Award for lifetime achievement in 2019. He received the Vision Service Award from the Heart of America Contact Lens Congress in 2022. Needless to say, his fingerprints remain all over the optical industry (but not on the lenses - never on the lenses!).

Steve was deeply loving and deeply beloved by his family, including his wife, Elizabeth Weber Sutherlin, his sons, Benjamin Sutherlin and his wife Jennifer Sutherlin, and James Stetson and his fiance Sandra Ricardi, and daughter Rachel Stetson, and his grandchildren Jenica Kolbeck, Henleigh, Curran, and Bennett Sutherlin, and Luke Stetson. He experienced great joy and meaning as a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. Steve and Liz built and shared a beautiful life together through their love, grounded in faith and explored through travel, fitness, and family.

Steve is remembered for his unwavering kindness, selflessness, generosity, and boundless love. He had a passion for all sports, especially golf, baseball, and football, spending time at the lake on his boat, sharing his wine collection, and attending events in support of his family, friends, and community. Steve was a dedicated fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and University of Missouri Tigers, and held season tickets to each team's games. He cheered for his teams like he cheered for those he loved, with great enthusiasm, loyalty, and "never a doubt" of success.

Steve is also survived by his mother, Madeline VanderFeltz Sutherlin, his four siblings and their spouses - Mike and Maureen Sutherlin, Laura and Randy Koons, Janet and Vincent "Ace" Wagner, and John and Pam Sutherlin, and many nieces and nephews, their spouses and children, and a multitude of friends who will miss him dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held January 24th at 3:00 pm CST at United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. The family encourages attendees to wear Chiefs, Royals, Mizzou, O'Hara, or their own favorite sports team's apparel in Steve's honor.

Donations can be made in Steve's name to the Kansas City Free Eye Clinic and the Pharmacy of Grace.

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