Peter Eugene Cummings

PORCUPINE - Peter Eugene Cummings, 66, of Porcupine, died Sunday, April 18, 1999, at Hot Springs Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Peter was born at Rosebud on Jan. 2, 1933, the son of LeRoy and Mary Ann (Larvie) Cummings. He attended school at Holy Rosary Mission near Pine Ridge. Peter served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict and also was stationed in England. He was a member of American Legion Post 240 for 38 years.

On May 14, 1961, Peter married "N.B". Together they reared four children. Peter was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in San Bernadino, Calif, after his discharge from the service. After moving back to South Dakota in 1960, he worked as a lite man for Lacreek Electric in Martin and later for Hall Construction, Coca Cola Co in Rapid City. In 1962, he began working for Indian Health Service, then for Oglala water and sewer for a short time before returning to Indian Health Service for 32 years.

Peter was instrumental in securing indoor plumbing for many elderly people on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Shortly before he died, he was honored in Pierre by his fellow Indian Health Service employees and family members.

Peter and his wife moved to a ranch near Porcupine in 1966. They ranched for several years, then Peter began farming. He was never happier than when he was on his tractor or in the garden. Peter was a humble man and never realized the positive impact he had on all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife; one daughter and her husband; three sons; his daughter-in-law; 14 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters; nine brothers; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Rosary services will be at 7 p.m. today at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Porcupine. Funeral services will be at 9 a.m. Friday, April 23, at the church, with Father. James Ryan, S.J., officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. Ziegler Funeral Home of Martin is in charge of arrangements.

Military Information: A2C, US AIR FORCE