Laddie Sumter

Laddie Edward Sumter Jr., age 70, of Glenpool, OK, passed away peacefully at his home on September 3, 2025, just shy of his 71st birthday.

Born on September 23, 1954, in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, to Laddie Sumter Sr. and Vera (Peugh) Sumter, Laddie lived a life marked by resilience, generosity, and heart. Though he faced early hardships-including the pain of family abandonment and struggles with addiction-Laddie transformed his challenges into a life of purpose, compassion, and strength.

He was a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and gave without hesitation. Known for being a dedicated and hard-working individual, Laddie was truly one-of-a-kind. He had a colorful past, but never allowed it to define him. Instead, he leaned into healing, finding unwavering support through his AA group and, most especially, his lifelong best friend, Doug.

Laddie was a two-time survivor of cancer, enduring 39 rounds of radiation with quiet courage. He also survived a massive heart attack in 2008 that most wouldn't have made it through. But Laddie was no ordinary man. He lived with grit, grace, and an unshakable sense of humor.

He married the love of his life, Teresa (Eastham) Sumter, on September 6, 1991. Together, they built a blended family full of love, laughter, adventure, and a prank or two.

Laddie had a deep love for the outdoors-whether it was hunting, fishing, or simply soaking in nature. He also found peace and purpose in woodworking, creating beautiful handmade gifts for friends and family. His acts of kindness were countless, from teaching his daughter, Annie, the importance of helping others by handing out necessities at homeless shelters, to quietly buying shoes and clothes for children in need-often strangers.

One of his most beloved traditions was the creation of "Laddie Bags," handed out each Christmas. These quirky, thoughtful bundles filled with items like batteries, gloves, flashlights, and pocket knives became something of legend-each one a small reflection of his generous and practical spirit.

But perhaps Laddie's proudest achievement was his sobriety. It wasn't just something he accomplished-it was something he lived. His life became a testimony to redemption, showing that it's never too late to change, to love, to give, and to make a difference.

Laddie is preceded in death by his parents, Laddie Sumter Sr. and Vera (Peugh) Sumter, sister Shawn Campbell, uncle Delbert Sumter, and Ben Whitehill.

Laddie is survived by his wife Teresa (Eastham) Sumter, children: Annie (Ian) Tidmore, Riley Sumter, Josh (Alesha) Baker, Jerrad (Crystal) Baker, grandchildren: Jordan Baker, Bradley Tidmore, Ethan Tidmore, Thursday Tidmore, T.J. Taylor, Emily Baker, Jay Baker, Avery Baker, sisters: Kelli (W.C.) Jones, Debbie (Steve) Simpson, and Carla Macias, brothers: Dirk (Kathy) Sumter and Gary (Linda) DeWolf, a host of nieces and nephews, and countless friends, extended family members, and all those whose lives were made better simply by knowing him.

He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of kindness, strength, and selflessness will live on in the many lives he touched.

Rest easy, Laddie. Your light remains.

Family Viewing will be held Sunday, 7th of September, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Schaudt's Glenpool-Bixby Funeral Service & Cremation Care Centers.

Services for Laddie Sumter will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Schaudt's Glenpool-Bixby Funeral Service. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Services have been entrusted to Schaudt Funeral Service. Friends & family may leave condolences and kind words of comfort at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com