Detective Samuel D. Sumner

This was my Uncle Sam. He cared for his wife's family as his own. Our family remembers Sam every year at Christmas with a Lifesaver Story Book gift exchange. When my brother and I were very young, my Mom could not afford gifts. Uncle Sam bought two Lifesaver Story Books and wrapped them so we would have something under the tree. The next year, my mom remarried. Less than 3 months later, Uncle Sam was killed. That Christmas, and every one thereafter, Mom and Dad made sure we had a Lifesaver Story Book under the tree. When I left home, they would send with my Christmas presents and include one for roommates, girlfriends, etc. Now, I make sure to give at least one Story Book and share the origin with someone new. It's the least I can do to remember what he meant to our family.

Bob Stearnes
Nephew

December 22, 2025