Like many other northerners, L. Donald Sutton arrived in Pompano Beach in the years following World War II. Nicknamed "Red" because of his hair color, he moved his family from Pittsburgh in 1947 for his wife Lorraine's health.

He initially entered the construction business, but soon began purchasing real estate. His success in the latter endeavor allowed him to retire before he was 50 years old.

At the urging of friends, he ran for the Pompano Beach City Commission in 1970 and won. He served as vice mayor his first year in office, and in his second year was elected mayor by his fellow commissioners.

When it came time for reelection, "Red" Sutton decided he had had enough of politics and declined to run for reelection. In an newspaper interview, he stated that among the commission's significant accomplishments during his tenure were acquisition of additional beach property, a new density ordinance and increased pay for city employees.

In 1989, Mr. Sutton moved to the town of Inverness in Citrus County, Florida. He passed away on December 31, 1990, at the age of 79.