Funeral services will take place on Monday, June 11, 2018 at 1:00 PM (Central).
Community Events Center
White River, South Dakota
In memory of
Pat Sumners
of Pierre formerly of White River, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at the Avera St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre at the age of 73
Franklyn Wayne Sumners, better known as "Pat" to his family and friends, was born February 11, 1945, to Willis "Bill" and Winifred (Edmonds) Sumners in Murdo, South Dakota. Pat attended the Paleck School through the 8th grade. He helped at the family farm and in 1961 they moved to White River. Pat lived with his brother Jim in Raymond, Washington and worked at the Willow Point Oyster Factory.
He was united in marriage to Sharon Schmidt on July 14, 1964, in Murdo. They had 2 children: Terry and Tonya.
A man of many talents, always willing to lend a hand to help someone in need, Pat showcased his skills in many arenas. He spent five years working for Dave Gustafson Construction helping to build South Dakota Interstates 90 & 29. After that in 1968, Pat and Sharon purchased a home in White River, South Dakota
Initially he worked at the Farmers Co-op and as a scraper operator for AG&E Construction. He also planted thousands of trees for the Mellette County Soil Conservation office, forming longstanding tree plots that have aided local farmers and ranchers for decades. He was extremely proud of his meticulously planted tree plots.
Pat started his first personal business in 1974 when he purchased a water well drilling machine from Mike Dryer. Over the years he has drilled hundreds of wells throughout south central South Dakota and had an uncanny knack of finding water. Pat spent a good amount of time utilizing his wisdom and “magic” witching sticks to find the best spot to drill which saved the customer money and provided the best water source on the property.
A real “jack of all trades” he embarked in other successful business ventures including a service to steam out frozen water lines, a boot repair business, and a wrecker service.
He was never scared to try something new and backed down from very few challenges. His ability to think outside the box and develop common sense solutions helped him to always come out on top.
Pat also served his community as a city and county Law Enforcement professional for over eight years. He successfully completed Law Enforcement Training Academy in Pierre, South Dakota as well. Amazingly he accomplished all of this with basically an 8th grade education, although he later completed his GED in 1979.
A stranger to no one, Pat always took time to meet and get to know anyone usually over coffee with the gang, and once he was your friend he was a friend for life. Pat cherished his family and was a caring and loving husband, father, and grandfather to his six grandkids.
Blessed to have shared Pat’s life with loving memories is his wife Sharon of 53 years; their two children Terry (Margaret) Sumners from Fort Worth, Texas, and Tonya (Rock) Kierstead from Pierre; along with six grandchildren: Ty, Kaylee, Brooke, Tayia, Shelby, and Matthew; two sisters Marjorie Desport Covina, California, and Goldie Reichardt, Hot Springs; two brothers Jim Sumners and Mary of White River, and Dan Sumners and his wife Oletta of Deer Park, Washington; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents Willis and Winifred Sumners; three brothers Ike, Jack and Johnny Sumners; six sisters Shirley Kuper, Myrt Larson, Billie Nordlie, Evelyn Dutroit, Nadine Tucker, and Ida Lorraine Sumners in infancy; and his father-in-law Andrew Schmidt.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. CST on Monday, June 11, 2018, at the White River Community Events Center in White River.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
Monday, June 11, 2018 - 1:00 p.m. CST
Community Events Center
White River, South Dakota
OFFICIATING
Pastor Harold Ambrose
EULOGY
Lionel Bordeaux
MUSIC
Linda Harrison - Pianist
“How Great Thou Art”
Jamie Reed - Vocalist
“The Old Rugged Cross”
USHERS
Ronnie Bouman - Dick Jans
URN ATTENDANTS
Jerry Krogman - Mike Rasmusson
REGISTER BOOK ATTENDANTS
Donna Brandis - Janice Ring
FLOWER ATTENDANTS
Cleone Rasmusson - Mary Scott
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Bill Sinclair - Weary Young
Jr. Brandis - Ted Bordeaux - Roy Egleston
Arnold Hill - Larry Hutchinson - Kevin McGowan
Edmond Moran - David Powell - Torry Rattlingleaf
and all his remaining family and friends
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My deepest condolences to the Sumners family and friends for the loss of your loved one Pat. Find Hope and comfort in God's wonderful promise for the loved ones we have lost in death a resurrection back to life Acts 24:15; John 5: 28,29, right here on a brand new Paradise Earth no more sickness pain or death Life Without End Revelation 21:1-5. ~ Sacramenta Landrum 1570 east102st (6/6/2018)
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Uncle Pat-a heart of gold and full of love for his Sharon, Terry, Tonya and his married kids, all his grandkids and then a whole lot of Sumners family. Pat and Sharon always to see ya and you knew Uncle Pat liked you if he teased ya. Growing up my folks, Ike and Patricia, took us to White River for Memorial Day and Frontier Days. We were excited to see all our cousins, aunts and uncles, going from house to house-such a fun way to grow up. The Sumners Boys seemed to like BS'ing a lot, then pulling pranks on each other and their sister's husbands, I remember all the laughter!!! Can't imagine what they're up to now... We will miss Uncle Pat, but sure glad he is with so many people who love him, oh the laughter... Glenda Sumners Matt ~ Stanley & Glenda Matt 17614 3M Rd (6/5/2018)
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He will be missed dearly. He was a very good friend to me throughout the years and I will certainly miss his smile every time I had the opportunity to see him. He loved to joke and was genuinely a happy man. I will miss you dearly "Old Man" peace be with you and all of your family. ~ Chidawn Becker Phoenix, AZ (2/24/2018)
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Burton and Mary Dimond 26440 285th Ave Wood SD (2/22/2018)
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Wood SD ~ Burton and Mary Dimond 26440 285th Ave (2/22/2018)
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Elm Springs SD 57791 ~ Stanley&Glenda Matt 17614 3M Rd (2/20/2018)
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My condolences to his family. He was a very good man. ~ Loretta Bartels St Francis SD (2/18/2018)
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Sharon: So sorry for your loss. He will be missed by many. ~ Terry Leach Rapid City,South Dakota (2/17/2018)
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Sharon and family- may our loving Lord and Savior wrap his loving angels arms around you and your family and grant you peace and comfort in the days to come! Pat is now in Jesus arms and free from pain and go talk
Sharon and family
May our loving Lord and Savior wrap his loving angels arms around each of you and provide you peace and comfort in the days to come! Hold tight to your precious memories! We always enjoyed Pats company!rest high an that mountain Pat until we meet again! Gods Blessings! ~ Stana Black,well Green & Jaelyn White River, South Dakota (2/17/2018) -
I have many fond memories of being neighbors in White River, long ago..I was thinking of when Terry was born..You guys were over playing cards...and you, Sharon, had a back ache..I urged you to get to Valentine because the roads were bad...In a couple of hours, Pat called to say you had a boy. I thought he was joking but no.....it was the truth.
I am praying for peace for you and your family... ~ Raymalee McKee Black Hawk SD (2/17/2018) -
Sharon and family: Sorry for your loss. I know Pat will be missed. It's always been amusing to me that Pat was my uncle. I remember playint with Pat and Danny when I was a kid at the Sumner's farm. Somehow, I don't believe Pat was much different grown up than he was a kid. He seemed to get a kick out of life. Which is the way to live! ~ Linda Lolley Oak Harbor, Wa. (2/17/2018)
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Sharon and family, Thinking of you!!! ~ Karla & Dan Heyduk White River (2/16/2018)
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Havind know Pat all my life he made me smile alot . Heaven wont be the same with him there , he enjoyed life all the time . Sharon and Family my heart and Prayers go out to you all. ~ Bruce and Bonnie Madsen Kadoka S.D. (2/15/2018)
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Sharon: so sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs coming your way. ~ Sharon Bryan White River, SD (2/15/2018)