Walter Gummere
Walter Gummere

Obituary of Walter C. Gummere

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Walter Cooper Gummere, Jr., age 92, of Appalachian Brian Estates, Boone, died Monday evening, May 11, 2009 at his home. He was born April 24, 1917 in Columbus, Ohio to Walter C. Gummere, Sr. and Glenn Becker Gummere. Mr. Gummere earned his B.A. in English from Brown University and his M.B.A from the University of Louisville. He enjoyed a long career in business management, retiring as CEO and President of Vendo Corporation, a manufacturer of vending machines and equipment in Kansas City, MO. In his retirement, Mr. Gummere taught business courses at several colleges and universities, including the University of Utah, Clemson, Kent State, the University of Louisville, Centre College, and the American College in London. Walter was an avid collector of English sports and touring cars; loved to travel and kept up with many friends in many countries; was a creative remodeler of the numerous homes in which the family lived; remained a lifelong fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes; doted on his three daughters; adored his six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and was utterly devoted to Virginia, his wife of 67 years. He was a kind man with a quick wit and a passion for life and adventure. He will be deeply missed by family and friends. Mr. Gummere is survived by his wife, Virginia Lee Jeffries Gummere of the home; two daughters, Virginia Glenn Stewart, of Kansas City, Missouri and Rebecca Jane Gummere, of Sugar Grove; six grandchildren, Tricia Stewart Shiu, Cassie L. Stafford and husband, Brett, Joie L. Scott and husband, Jeff, Jeff Lilgendahl and wife, Jennifer, and Liam and Maggie Carey. Six great-grandchildren, and various nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Ann Lilgendahl, one sister, Betty Jane Luker, one brother, George Richard and his father and mother-in-law, Charles Emmett and Stanley Goodin Jeffries. A private Celebration of Life service with family for Walter Cooper Gummere, Jr. will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to High Country Health Care Systems Hospice at www.highcountry hospice.org or to Opposing Abuse with Services, Information & Shelter, Inc at www.oasisinc.org. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Gummere family.