Robert Edmund "Bob" Sumney

Robert Edmund Sumney, 77, of Kalamazoo died peacefully on December 9, 2021 at Vibrant Life Senior Living. Bob was born January 19, 1944 in San Diego, California to Robert Edmund Bishop and Charlotte Katherine (Cook Bishop) Sumney. After Bob's father passed in WWII, his mother, Charlotte married the father he always knew, Maurice Dale "Suds" Sumney. Bob grew up in Kalamazoo and was a graduate of University High School. He attended Ferris State University and then entered the U.S. Marine Corps. Most of Bob's 40+ year career was spent in the family business, Sumney Insurance Agency. For several years during his career in insurance, he was a member of the Million Dollar Roundtable. Bob most enjoyed the years of his life when he embodied his entrepreneurial spirit. He was an early adopter of technology, writing programs and developing software for the insurance and hotels industries. Bob loved entertaining people, making them laugh, telling jokes and breaking out in song. He enjoyed sailing, golf and sports cars. One of his most treasured relationships was with his father, "Suds." The two were avid WMU Bronco fans, attending games, hosting booster events and feeding the teams. He will be remembered for his playful and gregarious spirit and his deep love of family. Bob was formerly married to Beverly Rose Bernard. He is survived by their two daughters, Stacey (Denny) Stickle of Chicago, IL, Tamara (Tom) Mack of London, England; five grandchildren, Paige Stickle, Molly (Daniel) Mahoney, Tommy Mack, Fletcher Mack and Spencer Mack. Bob was preceded in death by his parents. Friends will be received 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 105 Capital Avenue N.E., Battle Creek, MI 49017. A service to celebrate Bob's life will be held at 12:30 p.m. following the visitation. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, The American Cancer Society or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.