[Obituary]
Robert Dean Sumners, 67, of Westmoreland, KS passed away Sat. March, 21, 2015 at Mercy Regional Hospital in Manhattan, KS.
Robert was born on June 10, 1947 in Manhattan, KS to Allan and Maxine (Bowman) Sumners.
Robert attended schools at Stockdale and Westmoreland before graduating Wamego High School. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Emporia State Teacher's College in 1969.
Robert met his future wife the day before his 25th Birthday and married Frankie Blair (Heptig) a year later on June 9, 1973. They lived in Manhattan for a year then moved to Westmoreland where Robert taught junior high math and coached from 1975 until his retirement in 2002.
The couple bought a small farm west of town in 1979 and Robert worked tirelessly to improve and add to it over the years. He enjoyed being a steward of the land and relaxed by working outdoors cutting firewood, clearing brush, gardening, beekeeping, building and maintaining the farm-or giving his time and talent to help others in those areas and many more.
Robert was named Middle School Coach of the year in 2001-2002. In 1999 he coached 8th-grade girls basketball to a league championship.
Robert was active in Harvesters, Flush Senior Citizens, Westmoreland Historical Society and St. Joseph Catholic Church at Flush. He renewed an interest in competitive running in the last several years but mostly enjoyed time with family, whether traveling or just playing cards.
He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, and their three children: John Q. (Crystal) Sumners, Omaha, NE, with Jaden, Quinten, Avara and Aleeya; Megan (Brian) Kimzey, Fairway, KS, with Hope, Jace and Frankie Reed; and Robert A. (Danielle) Sumners, Flush, KS, with Aubrie and Camille.
He is also survived by his brother John W. Sumners, Wabaunsee, KS, and many nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Mass of Christian burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Flush, KS on Thurs. Mar. 26th with internment to follow in the Church Cemetery.