Darce “George” Rumsey, 91, of Olney, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney. George was born on February 8, 1928 in Harrisburg, IL, the son of George Luther and Lucy Ivy (Taylor) Rumsey.

George was an educational leader for over thirty-five years.  He served districts in Christopher, Illinois and Clay City, Illinois prior to beginning his twenty-two year tenure as high school principal at East Richland High School in Olney (1965-1987).

George enlisted in the US Navy during World War II, and actively served in the South Pacific as well as Japan.  Upon returning stateside, he worked his way toward a final career choice within the field of education.  During his preparation to serve as an educator, George was inducted as a charter member of the Iliana Phi Delta Kappa fraternity, an honor reserved for educational achievement.  George Rumsey is best remembered for his committed service and leadership as an Illinois educator.  In addition to serving as principal of ERHS, George also served on the Illinois State Committee for North Central School Accreditation, the Illinois High School Athletic Commission, president of the Wabash Secondary School Principals’ Association, and director for Region IV of the Illinois Principals’ Association.

George retired from his principal’s position in 1987 and was elected to serve two terms on the Richland County Board and also served as an Olney City Councilman for three terms.  He was an active member of Olney Southern Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years. He served as president of Olney Rotary Club. He was also a member of the local American Legion and VFW.  In 2013 he was a recipient of TAC’s Life Time Achievement Award.

In his leisure time, George enjoyed the outdoors, riding his Goldwing motorcycle, riding his horses, playing golf with friends, hunting and fishing.

George married Barbara (Beaver) Rumsey on April 2, 1955. Two sons were born to that union, Michael Darce Rumsey of Troy, IL and Paul David Rumsey of Bristol, TN.  Barbara passed from this life in July of 1988.  George later married Nancy (Huchel) Murbarger on December 18, 1993.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy of Olney, sons Michael Rumsey (Teri), Paul Rumsey (Brenda), step-children, Michelle Murbarger Weiler (Russ), Melissa Murbarger Gamboe (Tom) and Michael “Tug” Murbarger; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; six step-grandchildren six step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hospice of Southeastern Illinois or Tiger Pride Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, August 4, 2019 at the Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney.  A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 5, 2019 at the Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney.  Full Military Rites will be performed at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in Sunset Lawn Cemetery in Harrisburg, IL

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney obituary & photo – August 2, 2019