Eugene Norris Blumer

Eugene Norris `Sonny` Blumer LAKE OF EGYPT-Eugene Norris `Sonny` Blumer died peacefully at home Sunday, April 18, 2004 on the Lake of Egypt near Marion, Illinois. He was born June 30, 1933 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri to Edward and Opal Blumer. He married LaNora Jean Baker in Cape Girardeau on October 19, 1953. They were blessed with three sons, three daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren: Douglas Blumer and Nancy Irish of San Francisco, California; Steve and Donna (Brown) Blumer of Clearwater, Florida; Randy and Angela (Smith) Blumer and their two children, Emily and Sam of Dallas, Georgia. He is survived by two sisters, Ruth Reynolds of Cape Girardeau, and Dorothy Welker of Gardner, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Margie. Sonny Blumer married his high school sweetheart, LaNora Jean Baker in 1953. They met when they were, alphabetically, assigned the same locker in the 9th grade at Cape Girardeau Central High School. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2003, surrounded by a very large group of family and friends. One group of those friends has remained close since the 1st grade. Friendship was always a huge part of his life. He enjoyed a large loyal and deeply devoted circle of friends. Two of which, Delain Bendel and John Barnard made up an inseparable trio for many, many years. It was often said, he had no enemies. Sonny could always be counted on to assist with neighborhood projects or just about anything that deeded to be done. He was a true jack of all trades, possessing a wide range of practical skills, many learned in the US Navy Seabees, but most just grew naturally out of the active life he led. He just figures it out. Mr. Blumer retired from the U. S. Postal Service after 31 years in Cape Girardeau. He also served in the U.S. Navy, retiring from the Navy Seabees in 1983. In the 60`s, he began B & B Television Service with Mr. Bendel. He also served as President of the Cape Girardeau Stock Car Association in the 60`s and was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge. In his younger days, Sonny loved to dance and he and LaNora were impressive and graceful on the dance floor. He loved music, laughter, and entertaining. He was a life-long St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, rarely missing a televised game. He loved watching TV. Two of his favorite movies were `The Flying Tigers` and naturally, `The Fighting Seabees`, both starring John Wayne. Though he was not much of a fisherman, Sonny loved living on the Lake of Egypt where he was an avid boater and water skier. He was also known as a formidable opponent at his Tuesday Night Card Game. Sonny lived an incredibly rich, happy and rewarding life. He was loved by all who knew him. He was a big man (6`3`). But that was only the outside. With his huge, kind heart and generous soul, he seemed to be more like 10 feet tall. His son, Steve, felt that `…the world got a little heavier today, because one of the big guys holding it up, slipped away`. At his request, the body was cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Blue Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of the arrangements. At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lake of Egypt Christian Church Building Fund, Hospice of Southern Illinois, or a charity of your choice. Envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959.