Obituary: Robert Edward ‘Bob’ Sutherland, 84. formerly of Bardstown
Robert Edward “Bob” Sutherland, 84, formerly of Bardstown, died Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. He was born Feb. 23, 1938, in Bloomfield to the late Robert Johnson and Lucille Huston Sutherland. He was touchingly devoted to his beloved wife, Ann Early Hatton Sutherland, whom he married in 1966. He was passionate about family, banking, current affairs, UK sports, golfing, and fishing.
He was a proud 1956 graduate of the Kentucky Military Institute. It was there and at The University of Kentucky where, as a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternal order, he forged everlasting brotherly bonds. He served in the Kentucky Army Reserves and began his professional career using his engineering training to build public roads.
Sensing a need to more substantively impact the paths of others, he embarked on a banking career beginning with Liberty National Bank in Louisville in 1963. Joining Wilson & Muir Bank in Bardstown in 1973, the board named him President in 1974, and he served as Chairman of the Board until his passing. During his banking career, he actively engaged in the board leadership of the Kentucky Bankers Association, the American Bankers Association, and BancInsure. As a gifted reader of one’s character, he expertly judged credit considerations and enjoyed seeing the ultimate success of those with whom he built foundational relationships. He took to heart Wilson & Muir Bank & Trust Company’s heritage which, in his words, “placed a premium on building relationships with our customers.” He treasured his WMB family and its customers.
He loved the community. Indeed, where he planted professional roots of the bank, he committed to focusing group effort towards fostering economic growth and unbiased advancement for individuals, businesses, and the community. He served as chairman of both the Bardstown Industrial Development Corporation and the Nelson County Chamber of Commerce, and past director for the Bardstown Kiwanis Club, the Nelson County Fair Board, past trustee of St. Catherine College, and was very influential in the early efforts of the Bardstown Main Street program. He also served on the Mayor’s Advisory Council under Bardstown Mayor Guthrie Wilson.
A man of faith, he and Ann Early were among the founding members of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension having served as Senior Warden. He was a member of the Society of Colonial Wars, a Kentucky Colonel, and in years past an active fisherman with the Bardstown Bassmaster Club.
His success as a business leader was only trumped by his achievements as a masterful husband, father, family man and endearing friend to all of us who considered him our trusted counsel and one-of-a-kind special companion.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Early Hatton Sutherland; one daughter, Ann Davidson (David) Watts pf Snowmass, Colo.; one son, Robert Edward “Chip” (Nora) Sutherland of Glenview; one sister, Betty Lou Rogers of Bardstown; one brother, Dan (Sue) Sutherland of Taylorsville; and his most precious treasures, his five granddaughters, Abigail Sutherland, Lucy Sutherland, Lilly Sutherland, Hannah Watts, and Hattie Watts.
Visitation is noon to 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, at the Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in honor of Bob Sutherland to The Church of the Ascension, Bardstown and/or actively participate to service your community for future generations.
The Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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