Maurice L. Cummings, 78, Springfield, Mo.

Maurice Lee Cummings, 78, was born on March 6, 1942 in Hartley, to Blanche M. (Cody) Cummings and Harlan V. Cummings. He met his Savior face-to-face on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, after a short illness. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Brenda Jo (Brundage) Cummings. They were married in Hartley on Aug. 9, 1964 and have made their home in Springfield, Mo. since 2000.

Maurice and Brenda have one son who survives him: Brendon Tyler (Kimberly Sue). He is also survived by three grandchildren: Cassidy Brooke, Paige Lauryn and Landon Tyler; a sister, Maurine D. Belz (Dale); a brother, Harland (Mary) Cummings; a sister-in-law, Wanda (Randy) Reed; and nieces, nephews, their families, and other family members and friends. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Maple Park Cemetery in Springfield.

Maurice received his elementary and secondary education in Hartley. He went on to earn a BA from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake; a BS in Social Psychology from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion; and a MSW from St. Louis University in St. Louis, Mo. Upon his graduation from St. Louis University, Maurice wrote and received a grant for a day treatment program for alcohol and drug abuse, a program he directed until 2013. He also ran an employee assistance program for the auto industry until 2013. He gained much respect in his treatment for alcohol and drug abuse, with the focus on maintaining the person’s dignity. He loved the Lord and every person going through the program received a copy of the Bible. He was a man of integrity and a loving husband, father, papa and friend.

A celebration of his life was held on Monday, Sept. 28, at Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, with Pastor Gary Long officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Township Senior Living, Battlefield, Mo.; or Pregnancy Care Center, Springfield, Mo.