SUMNER, Gene C. - b. June 10, 1926 - d. September 24, 2008

[patyrn]

Gene C. Sumner, 82, of Severy, Kansas, passed away on September 24, 2008 at his daughter's residence in Severy, Kansas.  Gene was born June 10, 1926 in Cambridge, Kansas to Rufus Samuel and Viola Delight (Chambers) Sumner.  He was raised and educated in Burden, Kansas.  As a youth, Gene farmed and ranched.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army from December 29, 1954 to December 11, 1956.

He and Beverly Neal married October 2, 1965 in Riverton, Kansas.  While residing in Burden, Gene worked as a blacksmith and drove a school bus.  He also served as city marshal and was a volunteer firefighter.  He was employed at the Winfield State Hospital and Training Center as a security guard and later drove trucks for Melvin Lewis.  Gene retired in 1990.

Gene was a member of American Legion Post 10 in Winfield, Kansas.  He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, fishing, and making beef jerky.  He was also well-known for playing Santa Claus in Burden.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly, in 1974, his brothers Howard and Orin, and his sister, Lois Dennett.

Survivors include his daughters, Billy Joe Ray of Severy, Kansas, Marilyn Dillon and husband Larry of Enid, Oklahoma, and Carolyn Allison and husband Chris of Burns Flat, Oklahoma; his brothers, Ray Sumner of Grove, Oklahoma and Junior Sumner of Topeka, Kansas; his sisters, Aletha Turis of Mulvane, Kansas, Faye Smith and Iris Howard both of Thayer, Kansas, and Nita Wilson of Winfield, Kansas; six grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren with one on the way.

Services were held on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at the Miles Funeral Service.  Burial with military honors were held in the Burden Cemetery.  A memorial has been established for Harry Hynes Memorial in Coffeyville, Kansas and may be made through Miles Funeral Service.  Online condolences may be left at www.milesfuneralservice.com.

(taken from the Winfield Daily Courier - September 26, 2008)

[frawin]

Gene's, wife Beverley was my first cousin. Gene was a really good person and a hard worker.
Frank