Richard J. Cummins

Richard J. Cummins passed away on November 30, 2012 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.

Richard was born on July 16, 1943 to Virgil and Maybelle (Molvig) Cummins in Kimball, South Dakota.

In 1966 Richard joined the Army in Kimball South Dakota, obtaining an honorable discharge in 1968 after serving in Vietnam. During his time in the service he received the National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; two Bronze Service Stars; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device in 1966; Purple Heart; Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14) and Combat Infantryman Badge.

On June 1, 1968 Richard married Karen Esch at Peace Lutheran Church in McCook; this union was blessed with three children; Mark, Kristi and Jeffrey.

Richard ran his own company called Cummins Mobile Home Service for several years.

Richard was an avid pen and pencil collector with a collection in excess of 50,000. He enjoyed playing cards, auctioneering and never met a stranger; some of his best advice was to "stay out of the pool hall."

Richard was a commander for the VFW post in Indianola for several years, also a member of the American Legion, spent time as a Boy Scout leader, and a past Sunday School Superintendent. He also was a cancer survivor and battled MS for 24 years.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife Karen of Indianola, NE; and sons, Mark (Tina) Cummins of McCook NE; Jeffrey Cummins of Omaha NE; daughter, Kristi (Dennis) Baker of Omaha NE; brother, Gerald (Grace) Cummins of Milford IA; grandchildren: Nathan and Samantha Cummins of McCook NE; Dylan and Hailey Baker of Omaha NE and numerous nephews, nieces and friends.

Preceding him in death are parents, Virgil and Maybelle, brothers, Robert and Donnie; sisters, Phyllis, Marcella (Sally) and Carol.