Donnel Ray (Sonny) Lumley, was born Oct. 6th, 1936, in Fair Grove, Mo. He was one of nineteen children born to Ed and Mabel (Tabor) Lumley.
Sonny enlisted in the Navy, where he was stationed in Japan, after graduating from Elkland High School. He then went to Maryland for a short time and stayed with a sister and her family while working for U.S. Soldiers Home. It is while working there that a co-worker talked with him about his need for salvation and Sonny put his faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
Sonny decided to come back to Fair Grove, Mo., to live with his dear mother. Sonny, a few of his brothers, and a couple of nephews built new homes and remodeled older ones. Due to their good reputation, the Lumley boys didn’t have to go too far out of Fair Grove to find work. After retiring, Sonny enjoyed working in his gardens, fishing, sitting outside watching wildlife, and spending time with family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings.
Survivors include ten siblings; Kenneth Lumley and Georgie Helton of Marshfield, Anna Lou Thomas, Edna (Pat) Davis, Larry Lumley, and Shirley Trogden of Springfield, Bill Lumley, Gary Lumley, and Wendal Lumley of Fair Grove, and Lloyd Lumley of Norwalk, Calif. He is also survived by many, many family and friends that were dear to him.
Sonny went to be with his Creator, Lord and Savior Oct. 4th, 2010 after a long battle with cancer.
Funeral services will be held on his birthday Oct. 6th 2010 at 10 a.m. under the direction of Greenlawn North. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Elkland, Mo.