11/17/2009 - George Cummings

Funeral Services for 68 year old George Cummings of Gordon, Nebraska will be Tuesday November 17, 2009 at the Gordon American Legion, in Gordon, at 10:00am., with Jon Baker officiating.  Burial with Military Honors will be in the Gordon Cemetery, Gordon, Nebraska.

A memorial has been established for the Marine Corp Christmas Program, "Toys For Tots," and donations may be sent to Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home, P.O. Box 366, Gordon, NE 69343.

George Kenneth Cummings was born to LeRoy and Maryann (Larvie) Cummings in a small lodge at Pine Ridge, SD, on October 28, 1940. He grew up in this area and attended Holy Rosary Boarding School where his strong Faith was established and nurtured, to be carried throughout his lifetime.

George proudly served from 1958 to 1961 in the United States Marine Corp. He carried that pride with him in the way he walked, his love of all things patriotic and his unfailing belief that we live in the greatest Nation known to mankind. When fellow Marines with whom he served would call or be called by George the stories and laughter would fly.

For nearly twenty years George worked at Batesland Elementary School as their mechanical maintenance man. “Mr. George” was loved by those children and he loved every one of them in return. One of the teachers said that George always brought light to the school. When they arrived, the lights were on and the classrooms warm. When they met him in the course of a day, his smile led his way.

His gifts for photography and computers would often come together. Many times George would work late into the night to blend a photograph with another and maybe a special background to bring comfort to someone who had lost a loved one. He was a natural with a camera and his computer skills were self taught as well.

George enjoyed traveling, fishing and pitching horseshoes. Anytime a game of pinochle was mentioned, he was first in line. Playing with his great-grandchildren was a special joy to George. He helped them with puzzles, crawled through tunnels, pushed swings, colored in books, made up fun games with flash cards to help the little ones practice numbers and letters, read stories and coached them in horseshoes and swimming.

He was generous to a fault; always had a smile and had a gift for making every person feel like family from the first meeting.

November 12, 2009, in Rapid City, SD, George started on his last trip with the Angels to guide him. Though we will miss our incredible husband, dad, grandpa and “G G George”, we thank God for the time we were blessed to have him with us and know he waits for us in Heaven. Probably playing a game of Pinochle with a bunch of Marines.

George is survived by: His wife, Charlotte Cummings, Sons; Dale (Rhonda) Cummings, Bart (Bobbi) Bartels, Mike (Delila) Bartels, Ed (Vanessa) Bartels, Daughters; RhodaAnn (Jeff) Cummings, Patty Cummings, Pat (Jim) Mracek, Sandy (Jim) Heesacker. Grandchildren; Dale Jr., Krista, Matthew, Jennifer, Kelsey, Jason (Dawn), Lucinda (Brad), Stacy (Jeremy), Heather (Shane), Jessica, Angela, Curt, Jackie, Amanda (Jon), Danielle, David. Great-Granchildren; Xavier, Zoe, Cianan, Gabriel, Tygernan, Rhiane, Leah, Shebly, Heaven, Chevelle, Brandon, Tucker, Kendra, Cameron (and one on the way).

He was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Maryann; brothers, Pete and LeRoy and sisters, Geraldine and Mary Jane and Grandsons, Kayle and Cory.

The family suggests memorial donations to the Marine Corp Christmas Program "Toys for Tots" and donations may be sent to Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home, PO Box 366, Gordon, NE 69343.

Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home of Gordon in charge of arrangements.