Cecil "Smith" Sumner Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Cecil "Smith" Sumner 1933- 2014. Cecil "Smith" Sumner was born January 20, 1933 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Cecil Gee and Eva Smith Sumner, where he was given his name and blessing in the hospital by Apostle George Albert Smith. He peacefully passed away on May 5, 2014 at St. Mark's Hospital, surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren and many extended family members. He was married to Ann Openshaw, later divorced. They have two children, Jayne Sumner and Devon (Judy) Sumner and 8 grandchildren Tyson, Bristol, Harrison, Madison and Peyton Anae, Joseph, Sarah and Hannah Sumner. He has one brother, Robert (Marilyn) Sumner, and one sister, Lois (Reed) Christensen and many nephews and one niece. He married Jane McCleary Sumner in the Jordan River Temple 29 1/2 years ago. He enjoyed spending time with Jane's six children, her 26 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren who affectionately called him, "Grandpa Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents Cecil Gee and Eva Smith Sumner and sister, Eve Sumner. He served in the British Mission from 1953 to 1955 and one month later was drafted into the Army. During his Army service he was a Chaplain's assistant while stationed in Germany. After he was honorably released from the Army, he attended the University of Utah and was President of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He always arranged his schedule at the U so that he could go skiing every afternoon. After graduation from the University of Utah, he started his career with IBM in Eugene, Oregon and later in San Francisco California. He also was instrumental in the start up company Triad Systems Corporation in the San Francisco Bay Area. He had a great interest in collecting quotes and developed software called Quotationary where quotes could be found by different topics. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a great love of the gospel. He loved serving and sharing his testimony. He served in many callings, but his favorites were serving as a Stake Mission President, Elder Quorum President, gospel doctrine teacher and early morning seminary teacher, as well as a ordinance worker in the Jordan River Temple. Jane and Smith served an inner city mission for 5 years. They enjoyed spending time listening to classical music and attending plays throughout the year at Hale Center Theater. One of the highlights of his life was his mission to England, where he taught and baptized Bill Bates and his family. Bill Bates was later called to be the 1st English Stake President in England. Smith had just attended his 59th missionary reunion and loved meeting and sharing experiences with some of his missionary companions.

Cecil "Smith" Sumner

January 20, 1933 - May 5, 2014