Dale Sumner

Doyle T. Sumner, 81, passed away in his home on January 13, 2005, after a lengthy illness. Doyle was born on August 29, 1923 in Vona, Colorado where he lived with his parents, Dee and Luiza Randolph Sumner, brother Lee and sister Velma until the family moved to Burr Oak, Kansas when he was small. He graduated from Burr Oak High School in 1941 and from Manhattan Bible College in 1945.

Doyle was employed by Christian Churches of Kansas as State Youth Minister. He also served pastorates in Glen Elder, Perry and Florence. He later sold real estate for 18 years in Topeka and finished his working years at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.

Doyle was a member of West Side Christian Church of Topeka for 58 years, serving as an elder and chairing numerous committees. He was a Life Member of Optimist International where he served for a year as Governor for the Kansas District. He was also very active in Boy Scouts of America for many years.

He married Kaye (Elma) Burton on June 1, 1945 in Palmer, Nebraska. She survives. He is also survived by a son, Ron, and his wife Julie of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, a daughter, Becky and husband Clint Perry of Norwood, Colorado; eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren, a sister Velma Kipp of Topeka and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Lee, of Emporia.

Memorial services will be held at West Side Christian Church at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, January 21, 2005. Mr. Sumner will lie in state after 12:00 noon Thursday. There will be visitation at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, January 20, 2005. Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to West Side Christian Church, 432 S.W. Lindenwood Topeka, KS 66606 or Heartland Hospice, 1033 SW Gage Blvd. Topeka, KS 66604. To leave a message for the family please visit www.penwellgabel.com.