James Stanley "Stan" Sumner, age 86, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Lexington, Kentucky, leaving behind a lifetime of hard work, faith, and love for his family and community.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 30, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Whitley City. Burial will follow in the Taylor Ridge Cemetery. Military and Masonic rites were performed at the cemetery.

He was born March 17, 1940, in McCreary County, Kentucky, to the late Elbert Sumner and Dora Cox Sumner. On May 17, 1958, he married the love of his life, Jewel New, and together they shared many years of marriage, family, and memories.

Stan served his country in the United States Army and was a man who believed in working hard and providing for his family. Throughout his life he worked many jobs, including owning Stan's Exxon Station and Peoples Laundromat, driving a tractor trailer for Super Service, and working as a logger. He later retired as a bus driver for the Pulaski County School District, where he was known by many students and families throughout the community. He was also a proud member of the Orie S. Ware Masonic Lodge for 50 years.

Stan loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, boating, and hunting. He took great pride in raising goats and ducks and enjoyed staying active, including going to the gym. He was devoted to his church, First Baptist Church of Whitley City, where he attended faithfully and enjoyed Bible study. Above all, Stan loved his family. He enjoyed spending time with them, talking, laughing, and being together, and those moments meant the most to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Estil Sumner; and four sisters, Hazel Patton, Irene Perry, Glenna Strunk, and Thersa Worley.

He is survived by his wife, Jewel Sumner; three sons, James Anthony Sumner (Paula), Ronnie A. Sumner (Diane), and Michael Andrew Sumner; two daughters, Connie Ping and Sandra Brown (Carl, Jr.); two brothers, Noble Sumner (Pat) and Carl Sumner (Janine); one sister, Bonnie Watters (Harry); eleven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends who will mourn his passing and cherish his memory.

Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Stan Sumner.