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Robert Cummings Obituary
He was born Dec. 14, 1934, in Emery, Wis., to James Levi and Cora Belle Cummings. He grew up on the family farm in Phillips, Wis., as the youngest son of 11 children. He believed in the Lord Jesus as his Savior and was baptized at an early age.
Bob was a U.S. Air Force veteran who served during the Korean and the Vietnam Wars. His military service allowed him to travel the world, making lifelong friends everywhere he went. Bob never met a stranger. He retired in 1974 after serving his country for 23 years.
On May 13, 1955, Bob married his first wife, Martha Jean Slagle. Together they raised five children. They were married for 43 years when Martha passed away.
He married Oleta "Leta" Woods Cummings on Jan. 2, 1999. Bob and his wife Leta resided in Cheraw, S.C. They traveled extensively in their motor home, enjoying many trips to visit their large combined families and many friends.
Following his military career, Bob settled in St. Anthony, where he spent the next 25 years living and working. Bob enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, "bumming" with his grandkids and was a master storyteller.
Bob was a lifetime member of the VFW, the American Legion, the NRA and the Retired Enlisted Association. He was a Master Mason and York Rite Mason, and his home lodge was the Blue Lodge in Shelley.
In addition to his parents, Bob was proceeded in death by his first wife, Martha Slagle Cummings, one son, Mark Eugene Cummings, six brothers and three sisters.
He is survived by his wife, Oleta Woods Cummings of the home; children David (Denise) Cummings of St. Anthony, Cora (Roger) Brown of Fruitdale, S.D, Robert (Sandra) Cummings of Ashton and Alicia (David) Anderson of Nisland, S.D.; stepchildren John Woods of Cheraw, S.C., Shelia Woods of Cleveland, Sheree (John) Zele of Chadron, Ohio, and Jeff (Maria) Woods of Mayfield Village, Ohio; 21 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Marguerite "Sally" Moravek, of Phillips, Wis.
Memorials can be sent to Hospice of Chesterfield County, PO Box 293, Chesterfield, SC 29709 in Robert's name.
Information about a memorial service for Bob will be forthcoming.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Cummings
Sponsored by Barry C K Moravek.
Oleta Woods-Cummings
October 27, 2022
October 29, 2010, Robert went to his Heavenly home. Tho I still miss him every day, I'm glad he isn't suffering from struggling to breath anymore. Sometimes I look at a photo of us on our Mopeds with the Motorhome in the background and smile remembering the wonderful times we had traveling together visiting both our families every summer. I'm thankful for the years I had with Robert.
Robert and Leta at home
Oleta Woods-Cummings
October 27, 2020
Robert and I had 12 years together I think of him everyday and remember the happy times . He was amazing through the struggles of the last couple of years coping with COPD. He didn't loose his sense of humor.
Cora and James Levi Cummings and Clara Cummings Wilber
Barry Moravek
November 4, 2019
Starr Harwood
November 3, 2019
So sorry for the family`s loss. May our cousin R.I.P.
November 1, 2019
My Dear Uncle Bob!
Oleta Woods-Cummings, married my Uncle Bob Cummings. My mother is Margarite Joyce "Sally" Cummings Moravek. I know how much you have done for the family. I miss you all forever & for-ever. Nephew: Barry Charles Karl Moravek! I know that Uncle Bob Cummings, my Uncle loves you both!
Richland, Washington U.S.A.
Oleta Woods-Cummings
October 31, 2019
After 9 years I still talk to him sometimes and he was a great story telle, I am a great listener when a story is interesting. He made all his stories interesting, but Barry I can't recall the one you just wrote. Thank you for sharing one more. I miss Bob very much and I'm thankful for getting a second chance for happiness (for us both)
Uncle Robert "Bob" Cummings, the "baby" of the Cummings Clan
October 30, 2019
October 30, 2019
My Uncle Bob was a really, really great guy and a super story teller. On my way to work,in dense fog, I broke my back as a passenger in a car crash in Superior, Wisconsin around 1973. My Big brother Bill & Vernette Moravek, who were stationed in Hawaii at the time, took me in, to take care of me for a while. I was so happy to find out that Uncle Bob was also stationed in Hawaii...and that's where I heard so many of Uncle Bob Cummings's best stories.
I love you Uncle Bob Cummings.
Barry C. K. Moravek--Washington, U.S.A.
October 30, 2019
My Uncle Bob Cummings, the baby (youngest) of the James & Cora Sheffer Cummings family was the best Uncle I could ever have. He always had a smile on his face. He was a retired Air Force guy who went across the world. Love you Uncle Bob! Nephew Barry C. K. Moravek, Richland, Washington U.S.A.
Ashton Cemetery - July 2011
Oleta Cummings
November 30, 2011
I am about to celebrate another Christmas without you Robert. I miss you so much.
Leta
November 27, 2011
It has been a year already doesn't seem like it... I am missing you a lot daddy and i love
you so much!!!
Cora Cummings Brown
Barry Moravek
February 6, 2011
A guy can't get much luckier than having an Uncle, like my Uncle Bob. And, Uncle Bob got lucky, too. He was able to find a second love in his life after Aunt Martha, when he met and married Aunt Leta! As a story teller, Uncle Bob might have said " it was a shot-gun marriage," just to see you smile.
What a kind and, lovable, humerous man, he was. He could embroider a story like Grandma Cora could darn a sock, and make pies and pancakes for the entire family, with a few left-overs for ol' Brun their farm dog, too.
Uncle Bob could carry a real good tune. Just thinking of him puts a big smile on my face. I think Uncle Bob like his brothers and sisters, liked to make people smile and always shared his smile with others.
I think everyone in the Cummings family must have been a story-teller, cause my mom, "Sally" Cummings Moravek, can tell them, too. And she told me plenty of the fun times that they all had on the Phillips (Emery Twp.) Wisconsin farm. Aunt Macy, Uncle Emery, Uncle Dyke Uncle Bob, Grandma Cora and Willard, were the ones I was fortunate to meet.
Each of them are individual in their own way, but I know anyone who heard them tell a story or sing a song would know that they were a Cummings!
God bless you Uncle Bob, and Aunt Leta we all love you.
Nephew Barry C. K. Moravek
Richland, Washington
Dan Shervin
December 16, 2010
I enjoyed talking to uncle Bob on the phone we shared the same conservative politics, we always agreed. A few years ago uncle Bob made a audio tape for me about his life on the farm, and what he knew about Floyd, my grandad, his brother. It took him quite awhile to finish and its a good story. I will miss you uncle Bob.
Dan & Sue Cummings
December 16, 2010
Uncle Bob will always be remembered for his wonderful ability to tell a story; he was the greatest. We never tired of his humor or his beliefs. He leaves behind a wonderful family who will carry on his stories and traditions. We so enjoyed the time we were able to spend with him when he came to Phillips to visit the family. He will truly be missed by all that knew and loved him.
Sheila Woods
December 11, 2010
Bob was my stepfather for 12 years. I always enjoyed the time we spent together. We loved to banter with each other and had the livliest conversations. He was a great storyteller and is missed very much.
Love to you Bob.
December 11, 2010
Dear Oleta and family,
Please accept our most sincere, if somewhat belated sympathy in the loss of your husband, Bob Cummings. I never had the honor of meeting him, but from what I heard about him, he was a wonderful man and will be missed by many. He lives on through those whose lives he touched and the loving memories you have of him.
May your grief soon be replaced by those loving memories.
Melba Smith, (Randy's cousin)
December 7, 2010
Aunt Leta, I am so sorry about Bob. I know that I can speak for all of the Riley siblings, "we all were very fond of Bob". I always liked the way he could make you feel like you were the most important person in his presence. That is a wonderful attribute to have. I am sorry that I have not been in contact, no acceptable excuses. We love you and hope to see you soon. Jerry
Carolyn and Greg Holt
December 7, 2010
Aunt Leta
Bob was such a sweet man and had such a sweet spirit about him. I know by watching the two of you, you were very well matched, you both seemed so happy to have found someone for the 2nd time in your life that you wanted to be with and around.
Love you lots, your niece Carolyn
The remote control king, I'm missing you.
Leta Cummings
November 20, 2010
Jeff and Maria Woods
November 18, 2010
Dear Granpa Bob, as he became known in our house, we will miss you very much. You came into our family and was the only "Grandpa" that 3 of our 4 children ever knew. Maria and I appreciated the love you showed them and the patients you had for them stealing your TV for morning cartoons. I asked the children what they remebered most and all four said "he was funny". They all appreciated your sense of humor and teasing, and they liked to give it back. They all enjoyed your life stories about the old days, military life, and the tall tales you used to try and get them to believe. Sophia mostly enjoyed "stealing" your big easy chair and how you used to predent you were going to get her for it.
We are all going to miss you!
Love, Jeff, Maria, Marissa, Sophia, Joseph, and Dominic Woods
November 18, 2010
Dear Oleta & Family
You have read and heard many glowing remarks and compliments attributed to Bob Cummings when he was an adult. As his brother-in-law I would like to share with you and others, about Bob's earlier years as a young boy and a young man; yet to become a teenager.
I first met Robert E. Cummings in 1942 when he was an 8 year old boy. Our acquaintance was as a result of meeting his sister Marguerite, (Sally) at the Dreamland roller skating rink in Phillips, WI. I immediately became infatuated with his sister and made a special effort to see her whenever possible. I even befriended Bob by giving him haircuts to get on the good side of his sister. This ruse or stratagem paid off, which eventually led to our marriage in 1946.
When I returned to Phillips in August 1945 after serving overseas with the 8th Air Force in England, I met Bob who now had become by necessity a young man with many family responsibilities.His older brother Arnold, had been killed in a farming accident and his brother Vernon, a TSgt. on a B-24 Bomber Crew was killed in combat over Germany within a year.
Bob'elderly father who was in failing health operated a dairy farm and raised mink. With the loss of 2 sons he needed young Bob who wasn't even in his teens to assist in doing chores normally expected that of a grown man. The burden of these manly duties took its toll and Bob had to drop out of high school. His father subsequently had to discontinue his farming and eventually the raising of mink.
As a teenager, Bob with his mother's blessings enlisted in the United States Air Force.He served during the Korean and Viet Nam conflicts in aircraft maintenance and as a combat crew member.
While in the Air Force, Bob completed his high school eduaction to include taking college courses. After retiring from the Air Force he worked in various fields to include owning and operating several business enterprises.
A person' success in life is often measured from where they started.From a young hard working farm boy, to a successful career in the military and in civilian life, is truly a remarkable story. Bob lived that story.
Without fear of contradiction, Bob truly was a great father and husband and an American Hero. Among some of his gratest attributes, was his devotion to his family and loyalty to his many friends. I am confident when Bob meets his "Maker", he will be judged on not what he did for himself, but what he did for others and his country.
Oleta, I wish to extend my condolences to you, your family and to Bob's family in the loss of your husband, and my brothr-in-law, Robert Earl Cummings.
With Love
KARL T. A. MORAVEK,Lt. Col. USAF, Retired
Marguerite (Sally Cummings) Karl and Bill Moravek
"Skip" and Bill Moravek
November 18, 2010
Jim Beach
November 17, 2010
I will always have fond memories or the times, both as a teenager and an adult, that I have had with Uncle Bob. He was always cheerful and ready to help. He will be missed.
Alicia Anderson
November 16, 2010
What do I say about the greatest man I ever knew, my Daddy! Words can't express the depth of my love. I will be forever grateful that I was able to hold your hand and kiss your cheek when you left this world to be with your Savior. I look forward to being with you again someday, Daddy.
love your baby girl
Zach Anderson
November 16, 2010
To my grandpa, I will always remember the stories you told me and the bird houses we built together. Remember you told me that "everytime I see a rainbow to think of you, and know that you will be waiting for me on the other side". I miss you Grandpa!
Love your grandson, Zach "dead eye magoo"
Roger Brown
November 15, 2010
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010
November 15, 2010
I am Johnny and Glynn Eslick's daughter-inlaw my name is Donna and I have been in the family over
25 years. I have been told alot of stories about Mr.Bob and his family. I did get to meet him several times at Johhny and Glynns the last couple of years. He was a very very sweet man. He thought the world of his family and friends. He will truely be missed. by the Eslicks,
Our last visit, October 2010.
Allen (Moock) Cummings
November 14, 2010
Uncle Bob was like an older brother to me. He called me "Moock". I lived with them when my dad was in Alaska and my mom was in the hospital. We made hay, worked in the woods and hunted together. Those were precious times and I will miss him greatly.
Our last visit together October 2010.
Al (Moock) Cummings
November 14, 2010
Uncle Bob always called me "Moock". He was like an older brother to me. I lived with them while my dad was in Alaska and my mom was in the hospital. We made hay, worked in the woods and deer hunted together. He meant the world to me and I will miss him greatly.
November 14, 2010
Uncle Bob was so very special to us. We moved to Hawaii in 1970, the same time that Bob was stationed there with Martha and family. Bob and Martha took care of us and helped us from the beginning to unpack our household goods! Bill was a new 2nd Lt. and we grew up with all of the Cummings’ family. Bill believes that Uncle Bob helped him get the assignment! Uncle Bob was my hero!! He came to rescue me when Bill was in Korat, Thailand and helped us move on base when Bill returned from Thailand. It was always great to visit with Bob and when he married Leta. He will be missed so much! Bill was glad that he got to say “Good Bye” to Bob in SC. We have piece knowing that he is in a better place.
God Bless,
Bill and Vernette Moravek
(I will always be Skip to Uncle Bill)
Robert Levi Cummings
November 13, 2010
Aunt Leta,
One of the first things I remember about Uncle Bob was Grandpa Cummings trying to get him out of bed early in the morning to help with the milking on the family farm outside of Phillips, WI. He must have been around 13 or 14 and I was 3 or 4 years old at that time. Grandpa expected and got a man’s size day’s work from all of his sons and Uncle Bob pulled his fair share. Grandma Cummings nicknamed me baby Bob to avoid a mix up when she was calling our names. As a little kid I was very proud to share the same name as him. He formed a partnership with me at an early age. In later years while visiting him in Idaho on one summer day we pilled in his pick-up truck each of us with a son tagging along for a site-seeing trip in the woods. At one point we realized that the four of us crowded in the cab of his truck all shared the same first and last name, Bob Cummings. I remember we laughed about it and wondered what nicknames Grandma would have given our sons. I will always hold fond memories of his story telling skills and how when he warmed to a tale each rendition became a little more embellished. If we are lucky we have those in our lives that become giant-like examples to influence us and I think Uncle Bob would be happy to know how we all felt about him by filling that role. He was like a John Wayne type hero for me and I loved him for it.
Robert Levi Cummings (Baby Bob)
Jim & Carla Cummings
November 13, 2010
My Uncle Bob, the closest person that can compare to my father [Emery Cummings] What a story teller he was. I will always remember the stories that were told on our deck here on the old farm that he was born and raised. We always had to save enough venison to have when he and Oleta came to visit. We still have a batch that we have in our freezer that we were going to share with him the third of November. Never had a chance to do that. We intend to do that with Aunt Sally and Uncle Carl this winter.
Gail Bosley
November 13, 2010
We are very sorry for the loss of such a loved and good man. Our condolences go out to Leta and his entire clan. Take comfort in knowing his suffering is over.
With Love, Gail (Woods) and Danny Bosley
Christopher Brown
November 11, 2010
My Grandpa was an awesome grandpa! I loved him and I will miss! Chris Brown
November 10, 2010
November 10, 2010
Dear Leta & Family
"Thank you LORD, that Brother Bob is now at peace with YOU in Heaven".My heart is heavy with the loss of my brother and I'm saddened and I will miss him so much. What a blessing it was for us to fly to see him in South Carolina, just two weeks before he died and left this earth. By the grace of GOD. I was was able to kiss him, hug him, and say good-bye, and tell him we loved him dearly and we'll meet some day in Paradise. Thank you Jesus.
Love
Sister Marguerite (Sally) J. Cummings Moravek
We Love you Leta
November 9, 2010
From the first time I met Uncle Bob,I understood why Gary felt the way he did about him. He made me feel so welcome into the family. He will be missed greatly. I love you Uncle Bob
Susan Cummings
David & Minnie Sue Cummings
November 9, 2010
Although Bob was a family member for such a short time (10 yrs.), we feel as if we had known him forever. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him. We always enjoyed hearing Bob sing and look forward to joining him in that heavenly choir one day. Love,
David and Minnie Sue
David & Minnie Sue Cummings
November 9, 2010
Although Bob was a family member for such a short time (10 yrs), we feel as if we had know him forever. He was that kind of person..He will be greatly missed by those who loved him. We always enjoyed hearing Bob sing and look forward to joining him in that heavenly choir one day.
Love, David and Minnie Sue Cummings
Gary Cummings
November 8, 2010
Bob was not just my uncle we were twins with different mothers, my world is a much darker place, but I know heaven is
brighter, what a homecoming, and I am jealous
Robert Cummings
November 7, 2010
I learned a lot from you dad, I don't even know were to start. I'm
so thankful I went to SC when I did dad. We will continue to love and take care of Leta.I will do my best to keep the stories alive! Gods speed dad and tell me meet again. Love your son Bob
November 7, 2010
We are blessed to have known him.
Joe and Babs Woods
Ken & Ines Garz
November 6, 2010
Words are totally inadequate.
Denise Przybus (Dedman)
November 6, 2010
Bob always greeted you with a big smile and a twinkle in his eye that made you feel you were part of the family.
Bob's legacy lives on through all those he touched with his oh, so many stories and the advise you were wise to take in life. He touched my heart and influenced my life. I am certain this is true for many others.
God bless you and yours,
Cora Brown
November 5, 2010
My Dad, My heart,I am grieving and I will miss him deeply and for a very long, long time.He died on my mom's birthday. I am the kind of person today because of the way my parents raised my brothers and my sister to be.I will miss you daddy. I love you! Cora
Truell Peters
November 5, 2010
The world has lost a Great Man, he is so missed
Hannah Brown
November 5, 2010
My grandpa was a great grandpa and I loved him very much!
Hannah Rose Brown
Grand-daughter
Mark Colleen Wimberly
November 4, 2010
Colleen and I miss his stories dearly and the banter that went back and forth between Bob and Lee Cummings. Bob you were a great man and we will miss you. Go talk politics with Leroy. God speed to you.
Leta Cummings
November 4, 2010
My beloved husband you can't imagine how much I miss you and loved you. Leta
Laverne Cummings
November 3, 2010
Uncle Bob was 8 yrs older than I. The first 5 years of my life were spent at Grandma & Grandpa Cummings' home which included U. Bob. He was like a big, pesky big brother to me for most of my formative years. Even though later in life we only saw each other at reunions, we still had a bond.
Knowing that the Cummings clan is celebrating our political massacre today, I know Bob is looking down and just "snorting" as he would to show his approval of how well we did!
Until we meet again, big brother
Your niece,
Vernie
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