On February 19, 2011, the gates of heaven opened and our proud father, grandfather and friend entered the Kingdom of God. Robert Allen Sumner, Sr., 88 of Bedford, was a proud man and a World War II veteran having served in the U. S. Army. He was retired from Rubatex of Bedford but most of all, he was a family man. He was born on Sunday, October 29, 1922 in Bedford County, a son of the late Buford Marshall Sumner and Estelle Gillaspie Sumner. He was also preceded in death by wife, Dorothy Inez Overstreet Sumner. Surviving is his daughter, Brenda S. Bowers & husband, Jessie of Moneta; son, Robert A. Sumner, Jr., of Roanoke; two brothers, Grady Sumner, Harold Sumner both of Bedford; two sisters, Peggy Branch, Reva Eubank both of Bedford; six grandchildren, Kimberly Humphries, Dawn Ferguson, Jamie Smith, Shannon Day, Jessica Bowers, Leon Rex Bowers and fourteen great grandchildren. The time and memories shared will never be forgotten. The family requests those wishing to make memorials to consider the Moneta Rescue Squad, c/o Mike Harper, Treasurer, P. O. Box 497, Moneta, VA 24121. The family would like to thank 1 North of Friendship Retirement Community for the care and support rendered. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 21, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford with Rev. Steve Turner officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 4 until 6 PM at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.