Melvin Sumpter
The Payette Independent
Thursday, December 11, 1924
Melvin Sumpter Killed
Mr. and Mrs. G. S. Sumpter received a telegram conveying the sad news of their son, Melvin's death this afternoon at Baker, Oregon. He left Payette, Tuesday evening for Baker, on the train and the supposition was that he was run over by the train at or near that place.
The Payette Independent (Thursday, December 18, 1924)
Obituary
Melvin Dale Sumpter, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Sumpter, died in Baker, Oregon, Wednesday night, December 10th, 1924.
He had been visiting his parents in this city for two weeks and accompanied by Theodore Workman was returning to his home at Port Gamble, Washington. He had been employed in a mill at that place until he came home for a visit. They left here Wednesday evening and decided to stop at Baker and seek employment. Upon reaching Baker they secured lodging for the night, then spent the evening at the home of friends, after which they returned to their room and retired. They carried on a conversation for a few minutes, when Melvin ceased talking, his companion thought he had fallen asleep. Upon awakening the next morning Theodore arose, then decided to call him, being unable to arouse him, he went to the bed and commenced to shake him, when he discovered he was dead.
A Coroner's autopsy was held and it was decided he had been dead about seven hours.
His parents were summoned and left immediately for Baker, returning Friday with the remains. His brother, Eales Sumpter, of Camp Lewis, joined his parents at Baker and returned with them.
Melvin Dale Sumpter was born at Salubria, Idaho, October 12, 1905 and departed this life December 10th, 1924. He, with his parents, came to Payette six years ago where he resided until a year ago, when he went to Port Gamble. He was married to Miss Gale Brittain last spring, who besides the grief stricken parents, two brothers, Eales and Raymond and a sister, Miss Ruth Sumpter, mourn their loss.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday afternoon, at the Baptist Church, by Rev. F. W. Dean. The body was lain to rest in Riverside cemetery.
