Frederick Marion Sumpter
February 18, 1901 - March 22, 1982
One of the evidences of a life lived well is that many can point to that man as the one who made a difference in their life. Rev. Sumpter was such a man. Many counted it a privilege to have been touched by his ministry. In later years Marion and Lucille would receive many cards, letters, flowers, gifts, visits ..... testimonies to the love felt for them by a host of people.
Near the turn of the century, Marion's father, Francis Marion Sumpter, heard of land claims to be had in western Oklahoma. He traveled (possibly by train) to the May, Oklahoma area. There he found just what he wanted...eighty acres of farmland. In an effort to discourage him, two men told him that it had not rained there in ten years. Mr. Sumpter remarked, "No rain, and grass grows just like this! It's just what I want!"
He contested the two men, got his claim, and headed back to Fort Scott, Kansas to get his family, animals, equipment and household goods. A train box-car carried his possessions to the Oklahoma panhandle. The land was open country. Upon arrival they dug a half- dugout and built rooms above it. That was their home until later when a two-room "soddie" was constructed. They put out fruit trees, put in gardens, and raised live-stock to provide for their needs. In 1914 , Francis built a big eight room house which was later moved into Laverne, Oklahoma.
It was in this area that Frederick Marion Sumpter spent his childhood and youth. He was born on February 18,1901 to Francis Marion Sumpter and Ida (Pattison) Sumpter at Fort Scott, Kansas. Francis and Ida had both lost their spouses. They married and raised eight children. Ida's offspring were Vere and Ina. They were soon joined by siblings, Paul, Silas, Esther, Marion, Leon, and David. Marion was three weeks old when he made the journey to live in Oklahoma.
When he was old enough, he began to attend the local country school (with all eight grades in one room). During the eight years that he attended school, Marion was only able to complete three full years. His father took him out of school every year to help with farm work. One year as a teenager, he missed much of a school-year due to rheumatic fever. He came away from that episode with heart damage and spent a good portion of his life bothered by arthritis.
The family attended church at May, Oklahoma. Marion prayed through at age 16, but later backslid. He was interested in many things and learned mechanical skills while working on farm machinery. He wanted to be an electrician and took a home-study course in electrical engineering. Rising very early in the morning he studied before time to do the farm chores. Before he was able to complete the course of study, he felt that the Holy Spirit told him that he would be a preacher and would not need to finish.