Kent L. Sumpter, 82, of Converse, passed away at 8:38 pm on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo. He was born in Wabash, Indiana, on Sunday, December 6, 1942, to Charles and Kate (Venis) Sumpter. On January 14, 1968, he married Jan Melton, who survives.
Kent graduated from Clay Township High School in Miami County and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Following his military service, Kent worked as a machine operator for 33.5 years with Chrysler in Kokomo, retiring in 1998.
He was a member of the Greentown American Legion and a former member of the Oak Hill School Board. Kent was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. He was a big supporter of Oak Hill sports and held season tickets for many years. He was also a former volunteer for the Converse Fire Department. Most of all, Kent loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as his dog, Cubbie.
In addition to his loving wife of 57 years, survivors include his daughter, Mindy Sumpter of Kokomo; son, Patrick (Kristi) Sumpter of Kokomo; grandsons, Matt (Shelby Coffey) Hisey, Garrett (Shelby Bakehorn) Shields, Logan (Ally) Shields, and Garrett Sumpter; granddaughters, Leigha (Drew) Misner, Marlee Cockrell, and Makenna (Cody White) Titus; eleven great-grandchildren; sister, Debbie (Robert) Lytle; and his beloved dog, Cubbie.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles W. Sumpter; mother, Kate Sumpter; and grandson, Mark Sumpter.
A memorial visitation will take place from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Converse Methodist Church/Converse Historical Society, 109 E. Wabash St., Converse, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a Celebration of Life for Kent will begin at 11:00 am with Pastor Robert Preuz officiating. Inurnment with military honors will follow at Thrailkill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
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