Philip Eugene Kumm

1937 - 2020

Philip Eugene Kumm

Great Falls - Philip Eugene Kumm, known to most as "P.K." passed into the arms of his Savior, Jesus, on December 1, 2020.

He was born on February 25, 1937 to Adeline Parsons and John Kumm in Chariton, Iowa. After his graduation from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was first assigned to Malmstrom AFB in 1957 where he met his future wife of 61 years, Gloria. After all his other assignments, which included a tour in Vietnam (69-70) where he earned the Bronze Star, he returned to Malmstrom where he retired in 1977. He then continued in his career field with NOAA, retiring again in 1999.

He was passionate about sports, whether he played, coached, umpired, or spectated at his children's, grandchildren's, and great-grandchildren's games. He coached his boys in baseball and basketball. Great Falls High School and C. M. Russell High School gymnasiums will be much quieter without him in the stands. His time on the field was spent playing and later umpiring softball for four decades including last year when he was supposedly retired. Players will miss hearing S-TT-RIKE at the fields. Regardless of what field you were playing on, you always knew where PK was umpiring

He attended all sporting events as well as school concerts and academic events of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchild. As babies, most napped on his chest in the recliner, a good excuse for his own nap. Phil also helped his mother-in-law by mowing her lawn and shoveling her walks, often including those of her neighbors. He also would shovel the walks at GFHS, so he could wheel her in to watch her great-grandchildren play ball. Another passion of his was pheasant hunting which started at a young age. He got his first Brittany Spaniel in 1968 which was the start of a long line of Brittanys his family still has today. He started his boys hunting at a young age and that was a bond that lasted throughout their lives. They were out hunting regardless of weather. This passion was also instilled in his granddaughter Brandy. He made lasting friendships with the landowners out of his respect for them and their land starting back in the 50s until this day, out on the Smith River and Dutton area.

He enjoyed connecting with people, whether daily at GFHS swimming pool, or as a longtime customer, weekly with the great people at Great Harvest (even the "mad slicers") or eating at his favorite (only) restaurant, Borries, where he was pampered by their staff.

Philip is survived by his wife, Gloria; son, Philip R. (Kim); daughters, Susan and Marie; six granddaughters, Brittany (Zach), Brandy, Taylor, Katie, Faythe, and Bayleigh; grandson, Tyler; great-granddaughter, Myah; and two great-grandsons "BJ-1" and "BJ-2"; four sisters, Barbara (Gene) and Ginger in Iowa, Sharon (Bob) in Tennessee, Pat in Colorado, and a brother Larry in Illinois. He was preceded in death by his son John and granddaughter, Sarah Gene; his parents; in-laws; and two brothers. Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Services will be planned for a later date. Condolences may be shared online with the family at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com.