Donald Ray Sumter

Donald Ray Sumter, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at his home, at the age of 84. He was born on April 29, 1940, in Claremore, Oklahoma, to Omer and Edna Sumter. 

In his lifetime, Don had a passion for caring for his cattle, a love for horses, and a keen business mind. When Don was just 6, he would take a lantern to the barn to milk the cows before school each morning. He would walk a mile to school early to start the coal stove for a dollar a week. Susie always said he was born a little man. Don went to work for his uncle at Safeway in Claremore at the age of 11 as a bag boy. He graduated high school one month after turning 16. Although he received 2 scholarships, one from Miami and one from OSU, he was enticed by Safeway with money and a management position. He was the youngest manager for Safeway in the district. He also worked for Scrivner food, was a field representative for the Berkshire hog Association, and branched out on his own business ventures. His love for animals was evident in his work as a rancher and a hog farmer. Don and Susie moved ten times seeking property to build the next store and ranch. Don’s theory was if someone wanted it more than him, it was for sale. Beyond his work he found joy in exploring places through travel, reading, going to church, and attending church activities. He was a member of the Gideons, Lions Club, ApHC, Cattleman's Association, AQHA, and a board member of Affiliated Foods. 

Donald is survived by loving wife of 48 years, Susie Sumter, of the home; daughters, Brenda Wolfe and husband Marcus of Chelsea, OK, and Sharri Nelson of Locust Grove, OK; son-in-law, Guy Riddle of Prattville, AL; sister, Barbara Glass of Humble TX; 10 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Omer and Edna Sumter; sons, Gary Sumter and Chris Sumter; daughter, Donna Riddle; brothers, Omer Sumter Jr., and Jerry Sumter; and brother-in-law, Raymond Glass. 

Funeral services for Donald will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 19, 2024, at the Shipman's Funeral Home Chapel in Pryor with Pastor Daryl Lee officiating. No visitation will be held. Private burial will be held at Zena Cemetery with Allen Glass, Dustin Jones, Ed Jones, Justin Jones, Ryan Kennell, and Butch King serving as casket bearers. Honorary casket bearers include Don Miller and Wayne Shultz. To leave his family a message, please visit his guest book at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman's Funeral & Cremation Service of Pryor.