Carl F. Cummings, our revered, dedicated, and adoring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2021. Carl left his earthly body peacefully at home on a bright, sunny, Easter morning. To know that he left us to enter Heaven’s gate on a day that families share together embodies his spirit that will live with his family forever.
Carl was born to Herrell and Helen (McDaniel) Cummings in Shelbyville, Indiana on March 7, 1947. He was the youngest of six children. In 1952, Carl’s sister Cecelia Cummings passed away at the age of eleven years. He carried this with him through his lifetime.
Carl graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1965. In the late summer of 1965, he met Regina (Barton) Cummings at a drive-in movie theater in Shelbyville, IN.
Carl served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany from 1966 – 1968. Upon his discharge, he returned home and married Regina, the love of his life, on August 27, 1968. Regina and her family were home for Carl, and she was his only love, his beautiful wife, best friend, and shared in his love and creation of his family.
Carl began his career in management for Marsh Supermarket when his son Stefan was born in 1970. In 1975, Carl and Regina welcomed their second child, Ann. In 1977, Carl and Regina moved to Columbus, IN, where they remained throughout his lifetime.
There was no greater achievement or role in Carl’s lifetime than his call of fatherhood and later becoming a grandfather. From the very beginning, Carl was a hands-on father with his children, from teaching his children how to make forts, play games and sports, ride bikes, and he even played Barbie dolls because that was his daughter’s passion. Stefan and Ann’s friends will always remember Carl for his humor and genuine interest in their lives. Later in life, Carl welcomed his grandchildren Allen, Kaitlin, and Emily, and he spent many hours entertaining, playing with, and loving his next generation of children. Carl quickly became known as “Pa”, and this name remained with him by grandchildren, their friends, and his great-grandson, Jameson, at the time of his death.
In 1981, after deciding to make a lifetime career change, Carl went to Indiana Barber School in Indianapolis, Indiana. Carl retired as the owner of Cummings’ Palace Barber Shop.
Quick-witted and clever, Carl was a person that you never forgot once you met him. Known for his humor, Carl would share a joke with a friend or stranger. Carl loved to tease and was not for those faint of heart. Depending on your age, Carl might have shared a classic joke about his Christmas gift in 1957 from his father, a picture in his wallet, or told you a joke about the UFO’s taking him to White Castle. Carl would make up lyrics to common songs to sing to his children and grandchildren. He hid money under rocks for his nieces and nephews to find in fields. Carl would often sit at the “kids’ table” at family holidays and amuse the children. Neighborhood kids would ask Regina if Carl could come out and play. In later years, Carl would take his cat Josh for a ride on his bicycle or could be seen walking with cat treats feeding the neighborhood cats. Carl also enjoyed playing the slot machines at the casinos. There will never be another match for his personality.
Carl is survived by his wife of 52 years, Regina (Barton) Cummings of Columbus, IN; brother, Bill (Patty) Cummings of New Whiteland, IN; son, Stefan (Pennie) Cummings of Jasonville, IN; daughter, Ann Sanchez of Columbus, IN; grandson, Allen (TyAnn) Cummings of Tacoma, WA; granddaughters, Kaitlin Cummings and Emily Cummings, both of Shelbyville, IN; great-grandson, Jameson Baynum of Shelbyville, IN; great-granddaughter, Leonora Cummings of Tacoma, WA; daughter of the heart and best friend, Kimberly Knight of Columbus, IN, and her daughter, V. Morgan E. Knight of Tempe, AZ.
The family would like to thank special friends and neighbors Scott and Dale Ann Adams and family for their kindness and concern for Carl over the years.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Mrs. Eileen Macke, Mrs. Jean Walton, Miss Cecelia Cummings, and Mr. Loren Cummings. Carl was also preceded in death by his brother-in Law, Mr. Melvin Barton; niece, Amy McWhorter; nephews, Christopher McWhorter, Mark Cummings, and Matthew Halcomb.
A memorial gathering to celebrate Carl will be held from 4 - 8 pm Friday, April 9, 2021 at Myers-Reed Chapel, with military honors at 4 pm, provided by the Bartholomew County Combined Honor Guard.
Memorials to: Matt Halcomb Memorial Trust Fund for McKinlee and Adaline Halcomb (daughters). (In care of Cheryl Robinson, Union Savings and Loan, 828 West 8th Street, Rushville, In, 46173).
Please leave a special memory or condolence for the family at: www.Myers-Reed.com.
Myers-Reed Chapel on 25th St. is serving the Cummings family.
