Lawrence “Duane” Sumner (1936-2019)

Lawrence “Duane” Sumner, age 82, of Pioneer, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at his home under the care of his family and Community Health Professionals Hospice. He was born in Bridgewater Township, Williams County, Ohio on December 17, 1936, the son of Lawrence D. and Veryl “Tootie” (Wisman) Sumner.

Duane attended elementary school at Hay-Jay (one room) School and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1954. He served in the US Army Reserve for six years. Duane married Linda Esterline on June 26, 1959 and she preceded him in death on November 14, 2008.

As a young man Duane hauled canned milk, worked in various factories including the former Aro Corporation in Bryan, milked cows, raised Hereford cattle and crop farmed.

In 1973 he founded Sumner Equipment and was a full time buyer and seller of used farm equipment. Currently, he was an active partner with his son in Sumner Tractor, LLC.

Duane is survived by his children, Shane (Tammy) Sumner, of Pioneer, Brenda Sumner, of Lusk, Wyoming and Lonnie (Dawn) Sumner, of Delta; 9 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; companion, Marilyn Osborn; stepbrother, John Duncan and stepsister, Betty Freese. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; grandson, Marcus Reddy; stepmother, Jenny (Duncan) Sumner; stepbrother, Dan Duncan and stepsister, Millicent Branham.

Visitation for Lawrence “Duane” Sumner will be held on Friday, November 8, 2019 from 2:00-5:30 P.M. at Lake View Church, 4616 East Territorial Road (M-120), Camden, Michigan 49232.  Funeral services will begin at 6:00 P.M. at the church, led by John Wilson.  Private burial will be held at Floral Grove Cemetery, Pioneer with graveside military rites conducted by Bryan VFW Post #2489.  Duane’s services are under the care of Krill Funeral Service, 860 West Mulberry Street, Bryan.

The family requests memorial donations to Community Health Professionals Hospice or Pioneer Methodist Church. Condolences may be sent to and the online register may be signed at www.krillfuneralservice.com.