Stanley H. Dumes, 78

SEPT 3, 1926 - MARCH 14, 2005

Stanley H. Dumes, 78, who passed away on Monday, March 14, 2005, at Bell Trace Health and Living Center in Bloomington, Indiana, led a remarkable life of devotion to family, faith, community and country.

Born September 3, 1926, in Vincennes, Indiana, Stan was the son of William Jacob and Freda Fialco Dumes. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Vincennes and attended Purdue University before serving in the Army from 1950-1952.

Before retiring in 1986 as President of Dumes Inc., a family scrap iron and metal recycling business in Vincennes, Stan was a respected civic leader for over 40 years in the Vincennes and Knox County area. His life-long commitment to community service included leadership roles in the Boy Scouts, the Vigo School Parent Teacher Association, United Way, the Elks, the Masonic Lodge, the Wabash Valley Association (one of the first organizations in Knox County to address pollution and flood control issues along with economic development concerns), the Exchange Club, the Knox County Chamber of Commerce, and the Knox County Association for Retarded Citizens.

In 1961, Stan received the Junior Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award for his loyal and unselfish contributions to his community; in 1963 he was awarded the Boy Scouts' Silver Beaver award and was the Democratic candidate for mayor. In 1986, Stan was honored for his tireless volunteer efforts with the Edward T. Edwards Volunteer of the Year award and recognized by the Knox County ARC for his years of outstanding service to its board of directors.

Stan was a leader in the Vincennes Jewish community and a member of the local synagogue. His efforts contributed to keeping alive the Jewish faith in Vincennes, whose Jewish population has decreased over time. In the face of difficult odds, he maintained his and his family's Jewish identity. He transported his children over 50 miles each way every Sunday to ensure that they received a formal religious education.

After retiring to Homosassa, Florida, Stan focused his energy on completely restoring the Dodge convertible that he bought for his wife, Phyllis, on her birthday in 1953. The car won numerous awards, including the prestigious Senior Grand National award from the Antique Automobile Club of America. The car is now being driven and cared for by his son, Bruce, in Los Angeles.

Above all, Stan Dumes was a devoted son, husband, father, friend and employer. His quiet but profound commitment to family, friends and the Dumes Inc. employees was inspirational. He was a role model to all who knew him.

Survivors include his beloved wife and dance partner of fifty-four years, Phyllis Abels Dumes of Bloomington; his loving children, Harold Dumes and Marsha Bradford of Bloomington, Sandi and Gary Simmons of Vincennes, and Bruce and Debra MacLaughlqn-Dumes of Los Angeles, California; his adored sister, Mildred Dumes Dansker of Bloomington; his beloved grandchildren, Abby and Hannah Dumes, Tracey and Jeff Carson, Shana and Daniel Graham, Bill and Ben Simmons, Nicole, Jeff and Greg Dumes, Malcolm and Corran Bellman; and his delightful great-grandchildren, Jacob Carson and Justin Graham.

A funeral service was held at Beth Shalom in Bloomington on Tuesday, March 17. Following the graveside service at Crown Hill Cemetery in Vincennes, family and friends gathered at the home of Sandi and Gary Simmons.

Memorial contributions may be made to Beth Shalom or the Alzheimer's Association of Bloomington in care of Allen Funeral Home, 3000 East Third St., Bloomington, IN 47401.