Raymond L. “Pappy” Sumner, 87, of Terre Haute passed away Wednesday evening, April 13, 2022. He was the C.E.O. and Owner of SMC, Inc. of Terre Haute. Ray was born August 1, 1934 in Terre Haute to Isham Sumner and Nellie Morton Sumner.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Lula B. Mann Sumner; son, Raymond L. Sumner, Jr. (Carol) of Terre Haute; and daughter, Cyndi Roman (Mark) of Terre Haute. He became a proud “Pappy” 38 years ago with the birth of grandchildren, Matthew (Amy) Roman, Amanda (Brian) Newlin, Kayla Sumner and Keaton (Courtney) Sumner; and continuing with great-grandchildren, Henry and Oliver Roman; Ryker, Sawyer, Baylen and Brecken Sumner; Olive and Ivy Tincher; and Nicholas and Nathan Newlin. Also surviving are his sister-in-law, Nancy Lawson (John); and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Tom Sumner and James Sumner; two sisters, Grace Donham and Myrtle Mencer; and his mother and father-in-law, Evelyn and Clarence Mann.
Ray was a graduate of Gerstmeyer High School and served with the United States Navy during the Korean War. He became a sheet metal worker post-graduation, later starting L&S Sheet Metal, and in 1976 the partnership of SMC, Inc. was formed with Ray eventually becoming owner and C.E.O. Ray was an active member in the Terre Haute community belonging to the B.P.O. Elks Lodge #86 where he served as a trustee and was a former Elk of the Year, American Legion Post #104, Marine Corps League, VFW Post #972, 32nd Degree Mason, William Penn Masonic Lodge #727 F&AM and Scottish Rite Valley of Terre Haute. He was also active in the Boys and Girls Club where he was past president and served on the board of directors, Sheet Metal Workers Local #20 Apprenticeship Board, former trustee of SMWLU #20 Health and Welfare, past president of the Wabash Valley Sheet Metal Contractors Association, Aero Club and Sycamore Club.
Ray enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting and, most importantly, spending time with his family and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 PM Tuesday, April 19, 2022 in Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25th Street. A Masonic Memorial Service will begin at 1:00 PM immediately followed by a funeral service with Reverend John Campbell officiating. Interment will be in Roselawn Memorial Park with Military Honors provided by Post #104. Pall Bearers will be Ray Sumner, Jr., Mark Roman, Matthew Roman, Keaton Sumner, Henry Roman, Ryker Sumner and Brian Newlin. Visitation is scheduled prior to services on Tuesday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club, 924 N. 13th St., Terre Haute, IN 47807 or to VNA/Hospice of the Wabash Valley, 400 8th Avenue, Terre Haute, IN 47804. Funeral information and tributes may be found at www.callahanandhughes.com .
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