SUMNER, Alphonso - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Alphonso C. Sumner of Crawfordsville, 82, the father of Fern Sumner, our former band director, died Sunday morning. Although he had been in poor health for some time, he died unexpectedly in his son's barber shop at 9 o'clock. He lived most of his life in Waynetown. Like his son, he was a musician and for years the leader and manager of the Waynetown band. - kbz

Source: Crawfordsville Journal-Review June 14 1937 p 1 -- -- thanks so much to the wonderful Proctor Waynetown Masonic Cemetery obituary database

Alphonso C. Sumner, life-long resident of Montgomery and Fountain counties, died here suddenly Sunday morning of a heart attack. Mr. Sumner's death occurred about 9 o'clock at the barber shop of his son, Fern H. Sumner on west Main.  He had been in declining health the past two years and was stricken as he entered the shop.  Mr. Sumner was 82 years old and the son of Alva and Emma Sumner, pioneer residents of Fountain County. He was born at Covington Oct 30, 1854 where he spent the early years of his life. In 1882 he was united in marriage with Emma Harvey of Waynetown and following his marriage took up his residence there. Mr. Sumner resided in Waynetown the greater part of his life and was one of the best known business men in that community. For several years he operated a clothing store and barber shop there and also was identified prominently with other business and civic enterprise sin Waynetown. Mr. Sumner was associated with the late William Wright of Hillsboro in the development of the Waynetown Telephone Company.  Under his supervision an exchange was established at Elmdale and other lines erected in the western part of the county. Mr. Sumner also was a leader in the Waynetown band and for several years managed the band's affairs. The deceased was a member of the Waynetown Christian Church and Odd Fellows and K of P lodges, being a charter member in the latter organization.  Mr. Sumner had made his home with his son, Fern, for the past 12 years. Mrs. Sumner died in 1923. Surviving are two sons, Fern H. Sumner of this city and Charles Arnet Sumner of Lewisville, Ind; four grandchildren and one great grandchild; a sister, Mrs. Jennie Hesler of this city and two nephews, Russell L. Hesler and Herbert S. Hesler, local business men. Several other nephews and a number of nieces also survive. Besides the wife, a daughter Carrie and two brothers, Frank and Will preceded him in death. Funeral services will be held at 10 o'clock Tuesday  monring at the Proffitt & Sons Funeral Home here with the Rev. John Servies officiating.  Burial will be made at the Waynetown Masonic Cemetery - kbz