Maurice Francis Cummings, 85, of Hutchinson, died January 22, 2020, from pancreatic cancer. He was born January 16, 1935, in Topeka, to John and Mary (Harrington) Cummings.
Maurice grew up in Blaine and attended St. Columbkille Grade School. He graduated from Blaine Rural High School, and then attended St. Benedict’s in Atchison. Maurice served in the US Army.
On August 2, 1958, he married Melva Mae Beat of Wellington and together they had six children.
Maurice graduated from Wichita State University in 1970 and did graduate studies at Emporia State University. He became the founding director of Wichita Training Center, later known as Kansas Elks Training Center. Recognizing the lack of programs and services, Maurice was instrumental in starting other local facilities that serve individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities.
In 1973, he was recruited to be President/CEO of Reno Occupational Center, now known as TECH, Training Evaluation Center of Hutchinson. Shortly after TECH began serving adults with developmental disabilities, Maurice was asked to take over a struggling day care operation that was serving five children with special needs. This special needs day care soon became known as the Early Education Center. Cummings eventually formed a partnership with RCEC and USD 308 to operate the Early Education Center, which has served thousands of children in Reno County over the many years of operation.
Maurice served on many boards, including national boards, including the President’s Council on Mental Retardation. He advocated for better state and national legislation, including funding and program support, for individuals with disabilities. Maurice retired from TECH in 1999.
He was active in the community, volunteering at Reins of Hope, the VA, Holy Family Camp, Meals on Wheels, TECH Foundation, Birthright, and the Kairos prison ministry. Maurice was an active member of Church of the Holy Cross, Serra Club, Knights of Columbus Council #612, Rotary International, and the Civitan Club. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed traveling, reading, and woodworking. Maurice was proud of his family, and by his witness of faith, family, service, and education, he inspired not only his family but people in the community.
Maurice is survived by: his loving wife of 61 years, Melva; children, Mary Spitzenberger (Darren, Andover, Julianne O’Brien (Dan, Coweta, OK, Carolyn Spexarth (Joe, Colwich, Maureen Ptacek (Mel, Bentonville, AR, J.P. Cummings (Julia, Cottleville, MO, and Dan Cummings (Kathy, Kansas City, MO; 19 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, William (Carol, Wichita; sister, Connie Williams (Dale, Arvada, CO; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; brothers, John, Richard and Thomas; grandsons, Eric Spexarth and Allen O’Brien.
Parish rosary will be 9:30 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 25, 2020, at Church of Holy Cross, 2631 Independence Rd., Hutchinson. Cremation will follow. Inurnment will be 2:30 p.m. Monday, January 27, 2020, at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5905 W. 4th Ave., Hutchinson, with military honors conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard.
Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, with the family present from 4-6 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary. Following the visitation, the family will host a “Night of Memories” at the TECH Art Gallery, 10 E. 1st Ave., from 6:30-8:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to TECH Foundation or Cancer Council of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.