Franklin D. Tumer, Sr.

Franklin Dee Tumer, Sr., retired USAF, 89, passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah House in Fishersville.

He was born on October 16, 1935, in Augusta County to the late Samuel Edgar and Agnes Irene Miller Tumer.

Franklin's life was a testament to the values of resilience, hard work, and love for family. Franklin proudly served as a veteran in the United States Air Force, where he took on the role of an aircraft mechanic. His service during the Vietnam War not only honed his skills but also took him around the globe.

Beyond his military career, Franklin was a hands-on man, never one to shy away from hard work. He had a knack for finding joy in everyday tasks. Whether it was cutting hay or attending auctions, he kept himself busy, reveling in the satisfaction that comes from labor. His passion for working with his hands was matched only by the love he held for his family. Franklin's greatest joy came from spending time with his wife, Nina, and his Bassett Hound, Missy, who was never far from his side.

He is survived by his wife, Nina “Lou” Louise Loyd Tumer; his sons, Frank Dee Tumer, Jr. and his wife, Nancy, and their children, Phillip and Martha Tumer, and Samuel Edgar Tumer II and his children, Seth Tumer and Madison Simmons; his daughters, Eva Desiree Tumer Yates, US Army veteran and her husband, David, retired US Army, and their children, 1SGT Rowdy and Yvette Yates and Senior Airman, Codi and TSGT Thomas Baszler, Judith Irene Tumer Zwart and her husband, Eddy, and their children, Chrissey and Mike Allen and Carl and Amber Casady, and Victoria Lynn Tumer Knight and her children, Sarah and Wesley Knight; ten grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; his sister, Gaynele Wenzel; and a godson, Micheal Wolff.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Imogene Michael and Joyce Wheeler.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Linden Heights Baptist Church in Staunton with the Reverend Luke Smith officiating.

A graveside service will immediately follow at Oak Lawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens in Staunton.

Serving as pallbearers will be Robert Gilbert, 1SGT Rowdy Yates, Mike Allen, C.J. Casady, Landon Casady and Jimmy Loyd.

A meal will be provided by the church following the graveside service at Linden Heights Baptist Church.