Elmer Sumrow

    Graveside service Elmer Eugene Sumrow, 99, of Lamesa will be held Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Dawson County Cemetery with Rev. Sam Lanham officiating. All are welcome. 
    A memorial service will be held later at 2:30 p.m. in Seminole United Methodist Church with Pastor Charlie Johnson officiating. Arrangements are under the care of Branon Funeral Home.
    Elmer passed away on Friday, August 13, 2021 in Seminole, Texas surrounded by his family.  
    He was born July 21, 1922 in Celeste, Texas to David Elmer “D.E.” and Ilene Hope (Fleming) Sumrow. Elmer married Billye Frank Gibbs February 28, 1948, in O’Donnell, Texas. They were married 57 years. 
    During World War II he was stationed in Hawaii & Okinawa in the United States Army as a Tech Sergeant and airplane mechanic supervisor. He returned to O’Donnell and farmed with his father, acquired land, and started his 50-plus years of farming in Dawson, Lynn, and Gaines counties. 
    He started playing golf at the age of 40 until the age of 94. He spent many years playing golf with dear friends in Lamesa and later, after retirement in Seminole, at Gaines County Golf Course. In the 1950’s, Elmer was a member of Lamesa Polo team with his beloved horse, Shorty. He was also active in the Dawson County Sheriff’s Posse. In the late 70’s he owned and operated Mary Ann’s Convenience Store, Deli, restaurant and Laundromat. Since the 1950’s he was a devoted member to the First Presbyterian Church of Lamesa where he served as a deacon and elder.
    Elmer was a man of integrity in all aspects of his life. Many business dealings were sealed with a handshake.  He spoke ill of no one. Had a very positive outlook on life; loved meeting people and was a great friend to many.  For the past 2 years he has commented to innumerable people, “How could I have ever had a better life?”
    Elmer is survived by his daughter, Bevalynn Sumrow of Lubbock; brother, Bobby Ray Sumrow of Amarillo; grandchildren, Heath Sumrow and wife, Deann of Levelland, Justin Sumrow of Seminole, April Neal and husband, Zane of Kermit, Natalie White and husband, Randy of McKinney and Maisie Dickerson of Austin; daughter in law, Karon Sumrow; nine great grandchildren who loved their “Emo”; and numerous nieces and nephews.  
    He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Billye Frank in 2005; son, Rex Gibbs Sumrow in 2004; three sisters, Bernice Duke, Belle Harris and Jo Thomas; and brothers, Floyd Sumrow and Don Sumrow.
    In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Interim Hospice of Brownfield 1119 Tahoka Rd., Brownfield, TX 79316 or the charity of your choice.
    To send condolences, online please visit www.branonfuneralhome.com.
– Press-Reporter obituary services