Jerry Wayne Sumner

BEAVER DAM-Sadly, we announce the passing of Jerry W. Sumner on Monday, December 29th, 2025, at the age of 90 at his home in Beaver Dam, under the care of hospice. Jerry was a retired Alcoa factory worker, but his true passion was farming. He often said he felt closest to the Lord in the quiet of an open field. He loved fishing an searching for the perfect sandbar. He spent many happy years hunting rabbits, raccoons and squirrels. He was a member of Southwind Beagle Club in Indiana and the Owensboro-Ohio County Beagle Club in Hartford. Jerry served 9 years in the Indiana National Guard.

Most of all he valued family. Jerry was kind and selfless. He made many sacrifices to prioritize his family. Originally from Southern Indiana, Jerry and his wife, Betty, moved to Western Kentucky to be closer to family.

His arrival in heaven will be met by his wife of 67 years, Betty Jane Straub Sumner; their infant daughter, Debra Ann; his amazing parents, Harold and Louise Bellew Sumner; his sister, Connie Ruston; and many dear close friends. To have met Jerry was to have loved him.

Those left behind that will miss him greatly are his daughters, Becky (David) Funk and Jean (Randall) Wright; grandchildren, Amy (Brandon) Reed, Cody (Miranda) Funk, Lea (Eric) Brown, and Sara (Ben) Thompson; his beloved great-grandchildren, Savannah, Lexi, Holly, Brooklyn, Reisz, Jerry, Henry and Elizabeth; along with numerous nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.

Jerry’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the incredible caregivers that gave of themselves and became part of Jerry’s family, Glenda, Annie, Sherry, Tammy, Angel, LeeAnne and Priscella. His passing was eased by the blessing and expertise of Hospice of Ohio County. Every staff member was compassionate and caring throughout this difficult time for Jerry and his family.

He received amazing care from Oncologist, Dr. Michael Titzer and Caroline Coughlin, NP. Jerry was a devoted patron of the St. Jude’s Foundation. The family requests if you wish to remember and honor Jerry, please do so by making a donation to St. Jude’s.

Jerry’s remembrance and celebration of his life will begin with visitation at Bevil Bros. Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Friday, January 2nd, 2026 from 10:00 AM until the service at 12:00 PM with Bro. Robert McCoy presiding. Graveside services will also be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Boonville, IN at 2:00 PM. Online messages of condolence may be sent to bevilbrosfuneralhomes.com.