Edward "Ed" Cowan Sumner , 62, surrounded by family and friends, unexpectedly joined his wife of 40 years Carol in heaven on June 22, 2020.

Ed was born May 15, 1958 in Beaufort, SC to his late parents James Raoul and Audrey Hilda (Jaksch) Sumner .  He graduated from Fairborn High School in Fairborn, OH Class of 1976.  Immediately following graduation he joined the United States Air Force July 29, 1976 where he proudly served for 20 years as an Air Traffic Controller.  He later married Carol Ann Cunningham on December 15, 1979.  They retired in Hampton, VA on August 1, 1996.  No matter how much in the 36 years they were married before Carol was called to heaven, they struggled their love pushed through it all and overcame any and all objections.  They loved each other so much even after she went to heaven with her is where he wanted to be.

Ed was a good man, a good son, a good brother, a good husband, a good father, and to many others a good friend.  He was smart and knowledgeable especially writing papers.  He would sit with you for hours researching for your paper and then proofread it a 1000 times until it was perfect. Him and Carol loved to dance and walk the beach, he loved to talk about it until you ended up at the beach with him.  He loved to camp outdoors, go fishing and hunting.  He was a great protector and one of the biggest supporters for his family.  There are no words for the love of his family he felt but it can all be seen through the sacrifices he made for his wife and children.

Ed is survived by many people who loved him including his four children:  Melody Ann Sumner and husband Jason; Jennifer Nicole Prebish and husband Matt; Steven Ray Sumner and mother of his children Stephanie; Stephanie Shawn Sumner and wife Jenn, his sister Gloria Jean Creeger, his brothers: Joseph Dwight Sumner and Michael Howard Sumner , his grandchildren: Jaqueline G. Sumner ; Tassandra L. Jenkins; James E. Pepper; Malachi J. Farrior; Nautica A. Sumner ; Nevaeh A. Strickland; Mason R. Sumner ; Ethan E. Sumner ; Christian M. Eckard; and Jason L. Gengler, his great grandchildren: Kahlana L. Smallwood and soon to be Gabriel L. Barlow, adopted daughters: Gail Robinson and Crystal Salvato, and many, many nieces, nephews and cousins. He also joined in heaven Elijah N. Farrior.

A service of remembrance will be held at 2pm, Saturday July 11, 2020 at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home located at 245 S. Armistead Avenue Hampton, VA 23669.  Please bring your mask.  Following service "Celebration of Ed's Life" location will be disclosed the service.