Richard Wendell Kummer

Richard (Rick) W. Kummer passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2014.  Born in Cincinnati, Ohio he moved to Panama City on July 1, 1970. He was employed by Gaylord’s National Corporation and transferred as store manager of the local Gaylord’s store here.  He had graduated high school in Cincinnati, Ohio and had attended college at Texas Christian University. Prior to his move to Panama City he was district manager for Gaylord’s Ohio area and based out of Cleveland, Ohio. Upon his arrival in Panama City he became very involved in the community.  He was elected and served three terms as city commissioner in Lynn, Haven.  He was past member of Bay County Military Affairs Committee, Committee of 100 Bay County, Chamber of Commerce. He loved bowling and past president of Junior Bowlers Association.  He together with his best friend Thomas J. McAuley Chief of Police, were instrumental in organizing Panama City Police Athletic League and he was its president.  He was a member of Florida League of Cities and was nominated by police Chief Thomas McAuley and Sheriff Tullis Easterling for appointment to governor’s council on criminal justice, was past president of Compass Lake in Hills Property Association. Was a Korean War Veteran, member of Kiwanis, Elks and VFW.   He opened Bowl-Aire Lanes and operated it as manager.  He together with Lorraine Strickland arranged for the presentation of the Professional Bowlers Association to appear at both Bowlarama Lanes and Bowl-Aire. Rick as he was always known was always available to assist in numerous community projects.  He was active with Charles Whitehead in Democratic Party of Florida.  His final employment was with Lowe’s where he was a district supervisor and later as a live nursery specialist.  He received state certification as state nursery and horticulture specialist.  He retired with his beloved wife Mae who also is state certified where they spent all their time working in their yard and lakeside area of their home in Sunny Hills Gap Lake.

He was preceded in passing by his parents Father Claude Kummer and mother Mildred McHargue; grandson Jason Lloyd Messer. Also preceded by his best friends Thomas J. McAuley , Buck Stacey, Lorraine Strickland, and Brian Dern.

He is survived by his loving wife Mae M. Kummer; children Rockey Kummer of Panama City, FL, Rickey E. Kummer (Jacqueline) of Panama City, FL, Randy J. Kummer of Panama City, FL , Tamelin Kummer of Panama City, FL., Troy Kummer of Houston, TX.; stepson David Messer (Charlene) of Lynn Haven, FL.; grandchildren Nicole Kummer, Richard Kummer, Dustin Barlett, Shannon Bartlett, J.D.  Messer,  Lisa Marie Kilgo, Terry Doughty, Madison Stewart, Anna Caroline Stewart, Garrison Stewart, Mckenzie Stewart, Noah Stewart, Mathew Gallaway; great grandchildren  Aiden Galloway, Clayton Doughty; stepchildren Dwight H. Stewart, Dwayne Stewart, Dennis Stewart, Debra Gay Galloway, and Bobby Galloway.


Memorial service will be held 2:00 P.M. Monday, August 4, 2014 at Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Gathering with family will be one hour prior to memorial service.          

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