William Cummins
William (Bill) Ray Cummins, age 97 of Fairbury, passed away on March 18, in Fairbury. Bill was born January 8, 1929 to Glen and Fern (Porter) Cummins in rural Dawson, Nebr., the oldest of three boys. Bill spent his summers painting with his grandfather and as a farm laborer in the hay fields. Bill attended Dawson High School and graduated in 1947 with a $150 full-ride scholarship to Peru State (Teachers) College in 1951. Bill was drafted to play professional baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals, but had to leave the team during spring training because of enlistment into the US Navy rather than be drafted for the Korean War. Bill and Imogene (Radford) Cummins were engaged before his college graduation. After graduating from Peru State, he served in Korea aboard an amphibious ship. After being transferred stateside following deployment, he served the remainder of his enlistment at the Newport, Rhode Island naval station for sea duty working directly for the legendary Admiral Arleigh Burke on the Atlantic Destroyer Force Flagship, USS Yosemite (AD19), coordinating all sports and activities for the naval servicemembers, where he met and participated in sports with athletes of national and Olympic prominence that were completing military obligations. Upon transfer to Newport, and a literal lucky draw of straws for leave, he and Imogene (Radford) Cummins were united in marriage on August 7, 1952 at First Christian Church in Lincoln, Nebraska.
While in Newport and before his release to inactive duty, and without interview, Bill signed a contract with Fairbury Public Schools. After being away from Nebraska with no vacations for 2 ½ years, the couple moved to Fairbury to make their home. Here he taught, coached, and was an administrator until his retirement in 1994. The cleanliness of the community, the opportunities for raising a family, and the church life were instrumental factors in making their decision.
Bill enjoyed the recreational opportunities in the community and treasured the privileges extended to him by farm families to hunt. In a Nebraskaland magazine story, “More Than Just A Hunt”, written by a hunting friend, it reads, “…Cornie, Fred and Bill believe the way to Heaven is behind a bird dog.”
Bill cherished playing with the Farmer’s Union Softball team and the coining of the phrase, “Get a Fork.”
Bill spent many years officiating football and basketball games at many levels and was inducted into the Nebraska Officials Hall of Fame. He attended all school and collegiate events for his daughters Melissa and Kendra, and whatever the occasion, as the girls departed the house, his last words were, “Have fun.” From the beginning to this end, Bill placed much emphasis on being fair and having fun.
Bill cherished and enjoyed immensely the time and events he experienced with his Granddaughters, Brianna (Weers) Salts and Joely Weers with school events and productions, 4-H, FFA, dance recitals and music concerts. He was proud to attend Melissa’s graduation when earning her Doctorate from the University of Kansas, and Kendra’s Master’s degree from Northwest Missouri State University, being deeply involved in his family’s many activities.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Imogene (Radford) Cummins, parents Glen and Fern (Porter) Cummins, brothers Ron and Larry Cummins, niece Holly (Larry) Cummins, nephew Chris (Larry) Cummins, many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Bill is survived by his daughters Dr. Melissa Cummins and Kendra (Brian) Weers, granddaughters Brianna (Lyndon) Salts and Joely Weers, sisters-in-law Sandy (Ron) Cummins and Hazel (Larry) Cummins, nephews Nick (Larry) Cummins and Jeff (Ron) Cummins, and many friends.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 27 at 10 am at the First Christian Church in Fairbury. Family will greet friends on Thursday evening from 6-8 pm at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury. Interment will be in the Fairbury Cemetery. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com
