Howard L. Sumner

Howard L. Sumner

Nov. 12, 1924 - June 29, 2016

NORCATUR,Kan. -- Howard L. Sumner passed away at home in rural Norcatur on June 29, 2016, at the age of 91 years old.

He was born on Nov. 12, 1924, to Robert C. Sumner and Gracie Mae Spence Sumner in their Limestone rock home on the Long Branch Creek in Northwest Norton County. He continued to live in the small rock house with his parents and older sister, Dixie, until graduating from Norcatur High School.

Shortly after graduation, in 1942, Howard enlisted in the Army Air Force, where he was assigned to the 350th fighter group in Pisa, Italy. For the duration of World War II, he flew a P47 Fighter and ended his military career as a I Lieutenant. For several years, Howard enjoyed attending the Fighter Pilot reunions held throughout the United States.

After military service, Howard and Joyce Van Gundy were married in 1946. Three sons, Larry, Ward and Greg and one daughter, Janet, were born to this union.

In his early married years, racing cars on dirt tracks was his passion. One of the cars he raced is still being raced on the Old Timers Circuit. As years passed, the passion turned to buying and selling cattle, while for almost 50 years his sons ran the farming and cattle operations. The family operation became to include not only grandchildren, but great-grandchildren working on the farm.

Howard was an avid hunter and trapper. Trips took him to moose hunting in Canada once and elk hunting in the Colorado mountains many times. During his life, he could be seen in sale barns several days a week, buying and selling cattle. He enjoyed the process and will be remembered for his many antics at the livestock sale barns.

Howard leaves to mourn his death three sons, Larry and friend, Barb, Ward and wife, Marlene, and Greg and wife, Yvonne and special friend, Sharon Drullinger and her son, Steve; eight grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Dixie; and one infant daughter, Janet.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the caregivers for their dedication and special treatment given to Howard during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, family members may request memorials be sent to Davita McCook Dialysis, 801 West C, McCook, NE 69001.

Services are Monday, Aug. 1, 2015, 10:30 a.m. at the Wakeeney, Kansas, Veteran's Cemetery.