Russell Allen Sumner...Age 82

CREMATION

ALL SERVICES: EDDY-BIRCHARD FUNERAL HOME

VISITATION: 6-8PM THURSDAY, AUGUST 28TH

SERVICES: 1:30PM FRIDAY, AUGUST 29TH

COMMITTAL OF ASHES AT A LATER DATE

MEMORIAL: ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION

Memorials may be sent in care of:
Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home
P.O. Box 430
Osawatomie, KS 66064

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Russell Allen Sumner Sr. age 82 of Osawatomie, KS died August 26, 2014 at Parkway Health & Rehab in Kansas City, MO.

Russell was born November 25, 1931 in Havensville, KS. He was one of eight children born to Lewis Melvin and Bertha Ellen (Nichols) Sumner. Russell grew up in Soldier, KS and graduated from Soldier High School in the class of 1950.

On May 4th 1952 Russell enlisted in the United States Navy and served for 3 years during the Korean War.

When he was discharged from the Navy he worked in construction. Russell married and had two children, Russell Allen Jr. and Dorothy Marie. The marriage soon ended in divorce.

In August of 1961 he met Charlotte Ann Graf on a blind date and they instantly connected. Three months later they married on Russell’s 30th birthday, November 25, 1961 in Duluth, Kansas. They lived in Topeka until 1964 when Russell and Charlotte moved to Osawatomie. By 1967 the family had grown and Russell and Charlotte were raising two sons: Donald Ray and John Glenn. Russell and Charlotte would have celebrated their fifty-third wedding anniversary this November.

Russell began work for the Osawatomie State Hospital after moving to Osawatomie, working in the laundry department. Russell continued to work in the laundry department at the state hospital until he retired in 1993.

Russell loved bowling and going fishing with his friends. He enjoyed watching a good western, especially if it was a John Wayne movie. In his younger days he like to play soft ball and he was a devoted Kansas City Royals fan.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Osawatomie and a member of the Osawatomie VFW.

Russell will be remembered for numerous reasons and his name will continue on with his son Russell Jr. and great grandson Russell Allen Sumner III.

Russell was proceeded in death by his parents, two brothers: Bob Sumner and Harland Sumner, four sisters: Gertrude Staehli, Sue Curtis, Betty Sackrider, and Ruth Allen.

He is survived by his wife Charlotte of the home, sons: Russell A. “Rusty” (Lynn) Sumner Jr. of Paola, KS, Donald Ray Sumner of Olathe, KS, John Glenn (Kaye) Sumner of Fayetteville, AR and daughter Dorothy Marie Sumner of Melvern, KS and one sister Maxine Van Donge of Holton, KS. Six grandchildren: Jeff West, Crystal Turnage, Jeremy West, Jordan Sumner, Jessica and Michael Schmidt and Carrie Weaver, eight great grandchildren, his special nephews and many other family members and friends.