Charles Henry Sumner

Charles Henry Sumner, 72, passed away on Jan. 7, 2021, at his home in Stockton. Charles was born Feb. 2, 1948 to Clifford and Fern Sumner.

Charles grew up on the family farm where he lived most of his life. He graduated in 1966, from El Dorado Springs High School. He helped his dad with their family business at the sawmill. Charles went into working construction, building bridges and even helped in building the Stockton dam. After several years he chose to quit construction to be home more and went to work for Mid-America Dairy (milk plant).

Charles married his high school sweetheart, Joanne Frances Spencer, on Aug. 14, 1966. To this union four children were born: Charles E. Sumner, Daniel L. Sumner, Brian L. Sumner, and Melissa A. Gallette.

Just a few of Charles’ favorite things to do were farming and putting up hay with his family. Even after he couldn’t physically do it himself he would always be sitting at the edge of the field giving his input. Everyone knows that Charles loves fishing and hunting. He had so many stories that he would share anytime his friends and family were around. He has taught so many about his secret places to fish that I’m not really sure they are secrets anymore. They were considered “Charlie’s Spot.” Throughout the years he loved playing pool and pitch with his family. Charles always loved being around his family and playing with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Charles was baptized at a young age at West Union Missionary Baptist Church in Stockton.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford Lester Sumner and Anna Fern Sumner.

Charles is survived by his wife, Joanne; two sisters: Betty and Tony Sallee, Pat and Tom Jennings; four children: Charlie and Luessa Sumner, Daniel and Ale Sumner, Brian and Wendy Sumner, Melissa and Karl Gallette; grandchildren: Caressa Bryan, Emily and Aaron Garcia, Charlie Sumner II, Clifford and Sierra Sumner, Morgan and Trey Hackleman, Zach Gallette, Dylan Gallette, Jordan Gallette, C.D. Sumner; eight great-grandchildren, special friends, Wayne and Ang Rickman, and lots more family and friends.

Services will be held at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. He will be buried at Mound Cemetery.