Dr. Ronald E. Sumner MD

On October 7, 2021, Dr. Ronald E. Sumner, MD, passed away at Methodist Unity Point Hospital in Peoria, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys (Green), his father, Clifford A, his brothers: Clifford and Kenneth, his wife Mary Lou (Fehr), his son Rodney, his daughter-in-law Jeannie, his son, Douglas, his daughter-in-law Becky (Frank), and his stepson Gary Griggs. He is survived by his wife, Clara (Strawbridge), his son Bradley Sumner, and his daughter-in-law Linda (Mayhew) Sumner, daughter-in law Alayna (Thomas) Sumner, stepdaughter Patty McEvoy, stepson Dewayne Griggs (MaryAnn), daughter-in-law Andrea Griggs, 18 Grandkids, 19 Great Grandkids and 5 Great Great Grandkids.

He was born on December 2, 1927. He graduated from Woodruff High School in 1944 and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After serving his country, he went to Bradley University, and upon graduating, went on to get his Medical Degree from the University of Illinois, Chicago. During this time, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou Fehr, on August 29, 1948. Together, they had their sons. Having completed his education, and post graduate training, he opened his medical practice in Gridley, Illinois. From there, he moved his family, and practice, to Peoria, Illinois, where it grew.

Not only did Dr. Ron serve the health needs of his community well, but he also gave of his time and talents to many organizations in the area. He was an active member of Peoria's Masonic Lodge and Shrine, ultimately achieving his 32nd Degree. He also devoted time to serving his Lord in various churches in Peoria county. He especially loved singing hymns, and eventually produced three record albums, some including his family as musicians and vocalists. He was also involved with the Boy Scouts of America giving summer camp physicals at Camp Wokanda and also allowing the use of his farm for a troop's activities.

Dr. Ron also enjoyed the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and boating. While he worked very long hours as a doctor, he always took time off to be with his boys during the summer and winter. He would take the family on extended boating vacations, one of which ended when their boat sank in the Gulf of Mexico. He also took his family to Florida at Christmas time to enjoy the sun and surf. He also enjoyed camping in his motor home. On one such trip, he befriended the son of the Chief of the Santa Domingo Pueblo near Taos, New Mexico. Dr. Ron noticed one of his children had a medical problem that was not being treated by the government hospital. With Dr. Ron's insistence, the needed treatment was given, and the son regained his health. Later, when the older Chief died, his son invited Dr. Ron and his wife to attend the tribal ceremony, recognizing the son as the new Chief.

As his sons grew up and started attending Woodruff High School, he donated his time to the high school football team as their team doctor, even though his sons did not participate in a lot of sporting activities. Later, he would open his home to numerous foreign exchange students, through the AFS program. He, and his wife, also hosted many student get togethers at their farm in Dunlap, Illinois, where all Woodruff students were welcomed in an environment that provided fellowship, refreshments, and great fun under watchful adult supervision. He spent a lot of time helping in other ways, chaperoning dances, band trips, and supporting many of the social clubs at Woodruff.

When his sons married and left home, he and his wife, Mary Lou, literally traveled around the edge of the entire United States by motorcycle. Then, they bought a sailboat and spent a year in the Bahama Islands, and then, Key West.

Then, on July 27, 2002, his wife, Mary Lou, died after a long fight with Parkinson’s disease.

On August 30, 2003, Dr. Ron married Clara. They created a new life together and enjoyed spending time with family. They traveled to Italy, Costa Rica, Mexico, multiple cruises and trips to Branson MO, as well as annual trips to Florida. He was a master of checkers and loved showing off his skills to anyone that would attempt to beat him. He recently enjoyed attending the Honor Flight for veterans to Washington D.C.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 10, 2021 from 4 PM to 7 PM at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home, 2408 W Willow Knolls Dr, Peoria IL 61614.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, October 11, 2021 at 11 AM also at the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Second Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.woolsey-wilton.com