Steve Cummings, age 63, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024 at his home in Clinton, Missouri.
Steve was born in Kansas City, MO to Lyle and Martha Cummings on September 21, 1960. He lived his entire life in Clinton, graduating from Clinton High School in 1978. He attended Central Missouri State University, now University of Central Missouri, in Warrensburg, MO, graduating in 1982.
Steve was married to Terri Bysor in 1983 and they welcomed daughter Casey in 1992. Steve was an immensely proud father and happy to welcome son-in-law Garett Brown to the family in 2021. Steve was ecstatic to become a grandfather when granddaughter Kylie was born this June.
Steve joined his father and sister in the insurance business serving 37 years as an American Family Insurance Agency owner.
Though his career was in the insurance business, his passion was serving the Clinton community, veterans, and area children through his 43-year membership in Clinton Elks Lodge #1034. He was Past Exalted Ruler and Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler. He was honored as Elk of the Year and Officer of the Year. He was also the only recipient to date of the Ray Smarr Award for outstanding service and dedication to the Lodge.
It is impossible to state how important he was to the Elks Lodge. For years he made sure every event at the Lodge and banquet space ran smoothly and helped organize events within Clinton and surrounding communities. One of his favorites were monthly trips to the MO Veterans Home in Warrensburg to serve ice cream and fry fresh fish for the residents. Steve spent thousands of hours volunteering and his leadership will be irreplaceable.
He survived the collapse of the Elks Lodge building in 2006. Steve led the Lodge through the rebuilding process, vowing it would remain in the same location on the Clinton square. Within the new Lodge, he designed the largest commercial kitchen in Henry County.
Steve was known by Ernest T Bass, DaBass or just Ernie. This nickname came from his favorite character on his favorite TV program, The Andy Griffith Show. And since Steve had a nickname, he made sure to give many Elk brothers their own nicknames, few of which are fit for print.
Steve also had a passion for cooking. His coconut cream pies were legendary and always brought a high price in the annual Elks Zoo Trip auction, supporting local children to spend a day at the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield.
He was head chili cook at the Methodist Men’s chili supper for many years and always baked the turkey for his family’s Thanksgiving dinner.
Steve is survived by his wife, Terri, of the home, his daughter and son-in-law Casey and Garett Brown, and precious 2-month-old granddaughter Kylie, of Kansas City, MO.
He is also survived by his sister, Carla Moberly, and brother and sister-in-law, David and Jennifer Cummings, all of Clinton.
Mourning the loss of their Uncle Ernie are nephews Mark Moberly (Kerri), Andy Cummings (Breanne), Adam Cummings (Jayme), and his niece Devin Moberly. He is also survived by one great nephew, two great nieces, and other relatives. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Martha Cummings, and his brother-in-law, Gary Moberly.
Steve will be fondly remembered by friends, former clients, and hundreds of Elks members in Clinton and around the state
Memorial services were held Sunday September 22, 2024 at the Benson Center, Clinton, MO with Dr. David Maggi officiating. Special music included “Drink a Beer, What a Wonderful World and The Andy Griffith Theme Song.” The honorary bearers were Brad Combs, Barry Glasscock, Andy Cummings, Adam Cummings, Leland Smith, Dave Haskins, David Cummings, Kenny Kaiser, Mark Moberly, Mark Smith, Garett Brown, Tim Glasscock, Jeff Stone, Kent Batschelett and his Brothers at the Elks.
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO.
