Jerry Allen Sumner, son of the late Ira Sumner and Lorene Gaye Gibson Sumner, was born December 23, 1944 in Batesville, Arkansas.  He departed this life August 1, 2022 at his home in Melbourne, Arkansas at the age of 77 years, 7 months and 9 days.  Jerry proudly served in the United State Army during the Vietnam War, and was awarded two Purple Heart.  He was united in marriage to Diana Lane Darden April 1, 1967 in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Jerry spent his life as a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, provider and friend.  Most of his working years were spent working at Banquet Foods in Batesville or at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft in Melbourne.  Jerry was of the Baptist faith and a member of Finley Creek Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years:  Diana Sumner of the home; three children:  Lee, Sandra Anthony (Sally); one brother:  William Junior Sumner of Melbourne; two grandchildren:  Tyler (Sandi) and Hannah Rose and a host of other relatives and many good friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation and funeral service will be Saturday, August 6 at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne.  Visitation will begin at 1;00 p.m   Funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m.  Burial with military honors will be at Melbourne Cemetery.

Pallbearers:  Micah Cooper, Jerry Blankenship, Mike Box, Tony Watson, Dennis Harmon, Rondal Moser.

Honorary Pallbearers:  Kenny Jones, Billy Cowan and Brad Wheelis.