Richard J. Cummins

Richard J. Cummins

July 16, 1943 - Nov. 30, 2012

INDIANOLA, Nebraska -- Richard J. Cummins passed away on Nov. 30, 2012, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.

Richard was born on July 16, 1943, to Virgil and Maybelle (Molvig) Cummins in Kimball, South Dakota.

In 1966, Richard joined the Army in Kimball South Dakota, obtaining an honorable discharge in 1968 after serving in Vietnam. During his time in the service he received the National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; two Bronze Service Stars; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device in 1966; Purple Heart; Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14) and Combat Infantryman Badge.

On June 1, 1968, Richard married Karen Esch at Peace Lutheran Church in McCook; this union was blessed with three children; Mark, Kristi and Jeffrey.

Richard ran his own company called Cummins Mobile Home Service for several years.

Richard was an avid pen and pencil collector with a collection in excess of 50,000. He enjoyed playing cards, auctioneering and never met a stranger; some of his best advice was to "stay out of the pool hall."

Richard was a commander for the VFW post in Indianola for several years, also a member of the American Legion, spent time as a Boy Scout leader, and a past Sunday School Superintendent. He also was a cancer survivor and battled MS for 24 years.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife Karen of Indianola; and sons, Mark (Tina) Cummins of McCook Nebraska; Jeffrey Cummins of Omaha, Nebraska; daughter, Kristi (Dennis) Baker of Omaha; brother, Gerald (Grace) Cummins of Milford, Iowa; grandchildren, Nathan and Samantha Cummins of McCook, Dylan and Hailey Baker of Omaha and numerous nephews, nieces and friends.

Preceding him in death are parents, Virgil and Maybelle, brothers, Robert and Donnie; sisters, Phyllis, Marcella (Sally) and Carol.

Memorials may be made to the donor's choice.

Visitation will be on Monday, Dec. 3, 2012, from 2 to 8 p.m. with family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Indianola Cemetery.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012, at 10:30 a.m.at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with Mike Roth officiating. Burial will follow in the Indianola Cemetery.

Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home in McCook is in care of arrangements. Please visit www.carpenterbreland.com to sign the online guest book.