Keith Sutterfield

Keith Sutterfield, 85 of Maumelle, Arkansas formerly of Edmond, Oklahoma and Siloam Springs, AR died June 1, 2021. Born on March 3, 1936 in Prue, Oklahoma the fifth of six children born to Otis and Margie (Cook) Sutterfield.  Keith spent more than 50 years in advertising, public relations and marketing in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas and referred to himself as an “Ad man”.

A 1954 Siloam Springs High School graduate and 1958 Journalism graduate of the University of Arkansas, Keith previously studied and worked at Arkansas Tech University during his freshman and sophomore years. However, after meeting the love of his life Mary Ann Starnes he determined he would transfer to the U of A in order to be closer to and later marry Mary Ann Starnes on June 24, 1956 in Gentry, Arkansas.

In the summer of 1958, Keith joined the advertising staff of The Levelland Daily Sun News and later became the youngest daily newspaper publisher in the state of Texas at the age of 24. From 1965 through 1979, he owned and published The Interstate News in Siloam Springs, AR. These two newspapers were awarded several honors during his years of management and ownership.

From 1979 through 1985 he serviced various clients through Sutterfield Communication Consultants including  Dunkin Donuts, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Simmons Industries, Allen Canning Co. ITI Telephone Tech and Turnbo Trailers. This led to greater client services with engagement with Sonic Drive In, which ultimately led to joining the Sonic Drive In staff.

While at Sonic as Advertising Manager and later as V.P. of Marketing  1985 – 1994, Sutterfield developed a field structure with franchisees. This initiative coupled with one of Sonics most memorable advertising campaigns featuring Frankie Avalon led to significant growth and made Sonic a nationally recognized name as “Americas Drive In”. Later Sutterfield owned and operated a small chain of Skolnick’s Bagel Restaurants before eventually consulting with investors and various restaurant operators.

Keith is survived by his wife Mary Ann of almost 65 years, son Ken Sutterfield and wife Jan, daughter Rita Looney, three grandsons Ragan Sutterfield and wife Emily, Spencer Sutterfield and wife April,  Kyle Looney and wife Lindsey, all of Central Arkansas and  one granddaughter Becca Sample and husband Carter of Minneapolis MN.   Additionally, Keith is survived by seven great-grandchildren that brought great joy to his life in these later years.

A memorial service celebrating his life and commitment to Christ Jesus will be held Friday, June 4, 2021 at 2:00pm at First Baptist Church, Siloam Springs, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity or to  one of his,  Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch https://www.calfarley.org/.