Orville Sumpter

Orville E. Sumpter, ''Yank,'' born December 9, 1926 in Henryetta, Oklahoma, passed peacefully April 29, 2018 at Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, with family by his side.

He grew up in Oklahoma and Kansas and was baptized at age 13 in Wellington Place Baptist Church, Wichita, KS. He served in World War II as a US Marine, joining underage at age 15. Yank met his wife Phyllis in 3rd grade, and they recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Raising 4 sons, Mike, Pat, Kent and Mark, Yank and Phyllis lived in Texas, Kansas, Louisiana, and Alaska while he worked in the oil industry. Yank was involved in various business ventures during these years, including Eagle Enterprises of Anchorage, AK. He and Phyllis left Alaska in 1985 and eventually settled in Ingram, Texas.

He loved nothing better than getting in his van and traveling with Phyllis, visiting children, grandchildren, and historical and battlefield sites. When closer to home, Yank enjoyed working with his local veterans, going to gun and knife shows, and contributing to charitable causes usually involving children. Yank read widely on military and historical events.

He often said that he came from nothing and ''played the hand he was dealt.'' To those who knew him, he was certainly something, building a life full of family, responsibility to others, and duty to country. His constant presence, life lessons, and the tenderness with which he loved and cared for all his family will be greatly missed.

Yank is survived by his beloved wife Phyllis, four sons and their wives, 13 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service is planned for this Saturday, May 5, at 3 PM at New Hope Fellowship, 405 Main Street, Ingram, TX, 78025.

Donations in his name may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home. (830) 895-5111

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