Vernon L. Cummings, age 88, of Lonoke, passed away Friday May 24, 2013 at Ft. Roots VA Hospital, North Little Rock after a lengthy illness. He was born September 11, 1924 to William M. Cummings and Amanda Malcolm in Mt. Vernon , Arkansas. He was a U.S. Marine veteran of the Korean War, receiving the Korean service medal with star and United Nations Ribbon.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and six brothers: Ruth Cummings-Munnerlyn, George Cummings Sr., Eskar Cummings, Arthur Cummings, Leo Cummings, Homer Cummings, and Milford Cummings.
He is survived by one sister, Mary Francis(Dolly) Cummings-Brumett and five immediate nephews and twelve nieces whom he called his children: George Cummings, Charlie Cummings, Johnny Cummings, Billy Brumett, A.J. Munnerlyn, Sharon Cole, Jo Ann Hicks, Nancy Burnett, Connie McGinnis, Patsy Alardin, Cathy Cerrato, Sandra Boster, Judy Teeter, Jennie Harrison, Mary Ruth Rankin, Tina Mouser and Marianne Ruff.
Vernon was an avid baseball player, drafted by the Arkansas Travelers and the St. Louis Cardinals. Playing and teaching baseball to young people was his passion. He loved music, sang and played guitar and wrote over 50 songs with his brother. He was also an inventor of sorts, having patented a “Minnow Bucket Circulating System” with one of his brothers and later invented several products related to fishing.
Vernon was a 50 year Mason with Lonoke Masonic Lodge #51 and a Baptist by faith. His quick wit, storytelling and music will surely be missed as he makes that journey into the Great Unknown with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Graveside services with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday May 28 at Lonoke Cemetery. Visitation : 6-8 p.m. Monday May 27 at Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke. www.boydfuneralhome.net