Calvin Cummings

Calvin C. Cummings passed away with family at his side on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at Envoy of Denton. He was 81. Born October 8, 1929, on Tilghman Island he was the fourth of nine children born to the late, Andrew & Anna Rimmer Cummings. After attending school on Tilghman and working on the water, he left the Island in 1950 to join the National Guard. Soon after joining the Guard he transferred his service to the Army where he served in the 351st Transportation Group in the Korean War. While serving in Korea he organized a clothing drive where he urged the citizens of the U.S. to send winter coats and warm clothes to help the hundreds of children from freezing to death in the winter of 1952. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1953 and returned to the States where he met and married Betty Boop. Using the G.I. Bill, he later received a Certification in painting and the design after a three year Apprenticeship. He returned to Tilghman and continued painting while working on the water and in 1964, was hired by the State to operate the Knapps Narrows Bridge. After 30 years of service, he retired from operating the bridge. During his years on the Island, he was involved in numerous organizations including holding various offices while service as a life member of the Tilghman Volunteer Fire Department. He is survived by a son, Mark (Kathy) of Tilghman; a daughter, Kim Roe (Richard) of St. Michaels; grandchildren, Jeanie Wolffe of Germany, Misty Roe Garwood and Mike McDonough (his “buddy”) of Preston, Jeremy Cummings (Kelley) of Tilghman, Brandi Sadler (Ricky) of Sherwood, Ricky Roe, Jr. (Lacy) of St. Michaels, Tara Timms of Easton, Andrew and Kyle White of Delaware and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Sondra (Joe) Ropchock of Tilghman and Sharon (Herbert Hock of Sherwood as well as his beloved yellow lab, Mandy. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Betty who passed away in September, 2010 and a son, Daniel who passed in May, 2010. He was also preceded in death by four brothers, Andrew, Franklin, Harry & Clifton and two sisters, Lula Mae and Francis. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at the Tilghman United Methodist Church where visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Missions Road Cemetery.

Calvin Cummings

September 8, 1929 - July 2, 2011