David E. Cumming

BARRE TOWN - On Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, the Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal) was filled at 11 a.m. for the service to honor and celebrate the life of David Earl Cumming, where he was a lifetime member. He died Jan. 20, 2018, at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington.
The Rev. Earl Kooperkamp, rector of the church, opened the ceremony with readings from the Book of Common Prayer and later, the presentation of the Gospel lesson from the Book of John and homily dedicated to David.
Organist/pianist Marjorie Strong accompanied the congregation for the hymn "Onward, Christian Soldiers."
To remember David's strong Scottish heritage, bagpiper Donald Murray piped the processional song, "The Skye Boat Song" and recessional song, "Scotland the Brave."
To prepare for Holy Communion, the gifts to the altar were borne by his grandchildren, Lauren and Connor Cumming. The Rev. Kooperkamp concluded with "The Commendation of the Faithful Departed."
The Liturgy of the Word was provided by grandson Brennan Cumming reading from the Old Testament, the Rev. Kooperkamp and the congregation reciting in unison Psalm 23 and the proclamation of the New Testament by nieces Mary Jane and Isabella Cumming.
The casket bearers were grandson Brennan Cumming, nephews Richard and Philip Colby and Thomas Harty and longtime friends and fellow masons Russell Slora and Robert Ryan.
Later interment will be made in the Wilson Cemetery in Barre Town.
David was a longtime active member of the St. Aldemar Commandery #11 K.T. of Barre which was recognized by the Commandery Escort in full uniform with drawn swords as his casket passed through their ranks, ending the service.
Food, fellowship and a time of memory followed at the Steak House Restaurant on the Barre Montpelier Road, hosted by his family.
Prior to the calling hours at Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy St., Barre, on Friday evening, Rev. Kooperkamp led a prayer vigil service for the Cumming family.
At 7:30 p.m., David's home lodge, Granite Masonic Lodge #35 of Barre, presented the Masonic Memorial Service in his honor. Worshipful Master was Past Master Bernard Scott, Granite Lodge #35; Senior Warden Bruce Howard, Past Master Rutland Lodge #79; Junior Warden Russell Slora and Chaplain Donald Murray, both Past Masters Granite Lodge #35. In attendance were over 40 fellow Masons from many lodges throughout Vermont state.
Assistance in traffic control following the church service was provided by uniformed state troopers, remembering David's longtime service with the Vermont Department of Public Safety.