Lennon, MI – Jack D. Sustic – age 95, of Lennon, Michigan passed away November 12, 2024. Jack spent his final days surrounded by friends and family, and received wonderful care from Gentiva Hospice and the staff at The Landings of Genesee Valley.
Jack was born on March 4th, 1929 to Raymond & Edith (Peterson) Sustic in Corry, PA. A Veteran of WWII Jack served in the Navy aboard the USS March. He married Marlene Yvonne King in Arcade, NY on September 14, 1949. They had five sons and moved from New York State to Michigan in 1963. Eventually they settled in Lennon, Michigan where they lived for over 30 years. A printer by trade he worked for the Detroit News and the Flint Journal but it was his lifelong love of horses that dominated his life. Jack purchased his first harness horse in the early 1960’s and began to learn the trade from Michigan Harness Horseman Hall Of Famer Ernie Sworthwood of Fowlerville, MI and in the early 1970’s began driving and training full time.
He cared for, trained, and drove many horses over the years. He believed that quality horsemanship, hay and oats was the best medicine for a harness horse. He took great pride in working with “problem” horses and getting them to the racetrack. But far and above his most beloved horse, Belmont Tuxedo “Tux” was his most cherished of all. He had 16 straight wins and held many track records for several years. Tux lived out his retirement on the farm in Lennon until his passing in 2023 at the age of 34.
Known for his quiet hard work, not one to turn down a dare in his younger years, and that twinkle in his eye was evidence of his sense of humor. Preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Marlene (King) Sustic, his grandson Thomas Sustic, his brothers Raymond and Richard Sustic, and sister Myrtle Sustic. He is survived by a sister, Shirley Schryver, 5 sons; Mark (Deborah Travis) Sustic, Ken (Sandy) Sustic, Kevin Sustic, Dan (Zulmira) Sustic, and Jack (Jung) Sustic. 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held in the spring.