Elwood Odell "E. O." Sumner, 90, of Tulsa, joined his Heavenly Father Friday, October 3rd, 2014. He was born May 9th, 1924 in Dermott, Arkansas to John Jefferson Sumner and Claudia Lee (Price) Sumner.
E.O. graduated high school as a football stand-out and attended Arkansas A&M University in Monticello before enlisting in the Navy. After Military service he enrolled at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where he earned a B.S. in Geology in 1950.
Following graduation, E.O. was recalled into the service and stationed at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in Oakland, CA where he served as Hospital Corpsman, Second Class. He was soon joined by Wilma Catherine Douglas, whom he married on May 1, 1951 in Hayward, CA. After the birth of their first daughter, the family moved to Tulsa, where E.O. resided until his death.
E.O. worked at Owen, Mansur & Steele Engineering Firm prior to starting the Sumner Land Management and Real Estate Company, retiring in 1995. He enjoyed playing golf, cheering on the Razorbacks, and volunteering for First Baptist Church, where he was a Deacon. He was well-known for his weekly delivery of flowers and good humor to members of the congregation who were hospitalized.
E.O. is preceded in death by his parents and all six of his siblings. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Wilma, who he hugged every morning before breakfast; his three daughters and their spouses: Suzanne and Tom Mitchell of Fulshear, TX; Merribeth and Luis Valdez of Wake Forest, NC; and Jan and Stan Minor of Tulsa, OK. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, their spouses, and four great-grandchildren, respectively: Bethany (Mitchell) Madrid, husband Gabriel, and sons Jordan and Harper of Katy, TX; Tori (Mitchell) Becker, husband Keith, and sons Titus and Eli of Georgetown, TX; Landon Mitchell of Fulshear, TX; Adria (Valdez) McGlamery and husband Daniel of Raleigh, NC; Alyssa Valdez of Charlotte, NC; Clark Minor of Palo Alto, CA; and Mary Katherine Minor of Oklahoma City, OK.
E.O. Sumner's prized possessions were his faith and family. His kindness and gentleness were reflected daily. He never raised his voice in anger, said an unkind word, or met a stranger.
In lieu of flowers please donate to First Baptist Church Caring Center at 424 S Detroit Ave, Tulsa, OK 74120
Visitation Friday, October 10, 2014 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Moore's Southlawn, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Service on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233 share memories at www.moorefuneral.com