TRUMAN HIGH SCHOOL
CLASS OF 1975
William Thomas Cummins, Jr.
In Memory
11/01/1957 to 03/06/2026
1975
2025
William T. Cummins Jr., 68, of Kansas City, MO, born to Grace E. (Newport) Cummins and William T. Cummins Sr. on November 1, 1957, and passed away on March 5, 2026.
Bill was preceded in death by his first son, William T. Cummins, III, and his parents, William T. Cummins Sr. and Grace E. Cummins.
He is survived by his wife, Samara Cummins; two sons, William T. Cummins IV and his wife, Angela, and Christopher L. Cummins; along with 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandson, Celeste Cummins, Faith Cummins, Izabellah Cummins, Heaven Cummins, William T. Cummins V, and Liam Cummins; 2 sister-n-laws, Glenda Roofener and Rebecca Miller and husband, Steve; and 3 sisters, Billie J. Davis, Janice E. Kampe, Janet P. Peitsmeyer; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Bill was a devoted Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather, as well as a beloved Father figure to many nieces and nephews. Family meant everything to him, and he took great pride being present in their lives. He love to travel and had a goal of visiting every state.
Bill also had a deep passion for History, especially World War I and II. Those periods were his niche, and he enjoyed talking to anyone who shared an interest or wanted to learn. He loved exchanging stories, facts, and insights, always eager to share his knowledge.
Bill also had a creative side. He spent many hours building model tanks in 1/72 and 1/76 scale and even built a special war gaming table. It was one of his many hobbies that brought him joy and relaxation.
Known for his sense of humor, Bill was a jokester who never missed a chance to tell a good joke to anyone willing to listen. After many years working at Bayer CropScience through several company name changes, he retired in 2024. One of the first things he did was grow his beard back, and it came in completely white. Before long, he looked just like Santa Claus.
Kids and adults alike would approach him to ask if they were still on the “good list,” which always led to laughter. Friends would even call and ask “Santa” to talk to their little ones when they were being naughty. Bill would happily play along, and hearing Santa’s voice was often all it took for the kids to straighten up.
The little ones would remind each other to behave because Santa was watching. Bill got so much enjoyment out of those moments, and they always put a big smile on his face. He will be remembered for his warmth, humor, knowledge, and the joy he brought to those around him.
