Andrew (Andy) Rumker

Andrew (Andy) Rumker, 91, of Valdosta, passed away Friday, December 26, 2014, at his home after a short illness.

He was born August 19, 1923 in Conway, Arkansas, a son of the late John J. and Mary Hegeman Rumker, and had honorably served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theatre, including the invasion of the Philippines, Mariana and Marshall Islands. Mr. Rumker and his family moved to Valdosta in 1954, and he had been a Letter Carrier with the U.S. Postal Service in Valdosta, retiring after thirty years of service.

Mr. Rumker was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a life member of the American Legion, an active member of the Seniors' Center in Valdosta, and had a very active life until his illness in April of this year. A true family man, he enjoyed cooking and was a sports enthusiast. In his younger years he had a passion for baseball, playing with the Twin Rivers League, and in his later years he became an avid golfer.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Vivian Patten Rumker of Valdosta; two daughters and sons-in-law, Libby and Rodney Ray of Valdosta, and Lisa and Don Cribb of Manor; three sons and daughters-in-law, John and Becky Rumker of Douglas, Jimmy and Salina Rumker of Headland, AL, and Jerry and Debbie Rumker of Valdosta; seventeen grandchildren, Michael Kirkland of Hahira, April (Greg) Reid of Richmond Hill, Priscilla (Patrick) Shay of Northport, AL, Tabitha Rumker of Columbia, AL, Bryan (Annalee) Rumker of Douglas, Amanda, Brooke and Shelby Rumker of Douglas, Evan, Dana and Dena Rumker of Valdosta, Shannon (Andy) Thomas of Valdosta, J.J. (Kelly) Hesters of Valdosta, Jodi (Ben) Brannen of Valdosta, Holly Cribb of Manor, Kyle (Brittany) Ray of Valdosta, and Roddie Ray of Valdosta; fifteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Betsy Gary of Conway, AR; two brothers, George Rumker of Little Rock, AR, and Bill and wife Mary Ann Rumker of Kansas City, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Leona Rumker.

The Funeral Mass for Mr. Rumker will be held at 12:10 p.m. Monday, December 29, 2014, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, with Father Brian LaBurt officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. A Rosary Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, December 28, 2014, at the church with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home, Valdosta.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602