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Durru Sumer Obituary
PEORIA - Dr. Durru Sumer, 93, of Peoria, died at 9:39 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2015, at UnityPoint Health-Methodist in Peoria.
He was born in Turkey on Feb. 24, 1922, to Musir and Hacer Sumer. Durru married Sercan Oral on Nov. 12, 1965, in Balikesir, Turkey, and she survives.
He is also survived by his sons, Derya Dean Sumer of Thousand Oaks, Calif., and Volkan (Merry) Sumer of Tremont; and his grandchildren, Sydney Demirel, Leland Zeki and Sophia Ariel. The rest of Durru's family resides in Turkey, including several nieces and nephews.
Durru was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Vedat and Sedat.
He served in the Turkish military, defending the Turkish border from 1942 to 1944 and left as 3rd officer.
Durru graduated with a medical degree in obstetrics and gynecology from the University of Ankara in 1952, and practiced both in Turkey and America for a number of years. He later became a mental health doctor at Peoria State Hospital in Bartonville from 1969 to 1973, and at Zeller Mental Health Center from 1973 to 1989.
Durru was fluent in many languages, including Turkish, English, French, Bulgarian and Spanish. He loved gardening and maintained a very large garden for most of his life.
Durru was known for having an exceptional memory. He memorized a number of speeches from Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, and he was always the eternal optimist as he would often recite the Optimist Creed.
A prayer service was held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2015, at the Islamic Center of Peoria (ICP) Charter Oak Mosque in Peoria, 4125 W. Charter Oak Road, Peoria, IL 61615. Burial followed at Springdale Cemetery in Peoria at 3014 N. Prospect Road.
Memorial donations can be made to ICP, 4125 W. Charter Oak Road, Peoria, IL 61615.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.thewiltonmortuary.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Durru Sumer
Karla Rollins
March 17, 2015
So sorry to hear of the passing of your father.
Your in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Marty and Karla
March 17, 2015
Sumer Family Dr.Sumer was a wonderful neighbor and my family has wonderful memories of his kindness.
Dan Beatty
March 17, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tuba Adiyaman
March 17, 2015
Tuba Adyaman
March 17, 2015
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Beverly Grimes
March 17, 2015
Dr. V. Sumer, Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. May the loving memories of your dear father help ease your grief. Worked with your father at Peoria State Hospital and remember him with great fondness. Bev. Grimes
March 16, 2015
My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4 : 14 can bring you some comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
March 16, 2015
Volk and Merry we are so sorry for your loss! While we didn't know him well we know that he raised an incredible son and his legacy will carry on through you Volk. Wishing you peace and prayers that you will enjoy his memory!
With God's Blessing...Chris and Janine Dearing
Laura Guyon-Conley
March 16, 2015
Volkan and Family - I am so sorry for the loss of your father. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Edward Best
March 16, 2015
Prayers to all the family.
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