I apologize for the way my last post to the List was formatted. I didn't realize it would come out that way. Robert P. Sumpter was the son of Pearley L. Sumpter and Gladys E. Young. He was born in Bethlehem, Wayne co., Iowa on May 4, 1925. He died Tuesday, February 22, 2000 in Lake Rathbun, Appanoose County, Iowa. Ottumwa, Iowa Courier Feb. 24, 2000 Moulton man dies at Rathbun Lake RATHBUN LAKE - A Moulton Man died Tuesday after he fell through thin ice while fishing at Rathbun Lake, according to the Appanoose County Sheriff's Department. The body of Robert P. Sumpter, 74, was found at 10:30 p.m. approximately 400 yards from a boat ramp in an open water area. He had apparently walked onto thin ice and fell through a weak area of ice. Investigation of the incident concluded that Sumpter had attempted to swim back to shore but due to cold water tempera- tures was unable to pull himself from the lake. He died of hypothermia. Sumpter was reported missing after he failed to return home when expected Tuesday afternoon. He was last seen fish- ing near the shoreline on Rathbun Lake around noon. His wife went looking for him and found his unattended vehicle parked in a lot. Several sheriff's deputies, the Appanoose County Water Rescue Team, the Ceterville Police Department, the Iowa State Patrol, Mercy Ambulance, Iowa Department of Natural Resources officers and volunteers searched miles of shoreline and the lake area for Sumpter. Officials also used a special ice auger res- cue boat to search portions of ice-covered and open water. Sumpter was an avid ice fisherman and familiar with the area, but warm tempera- tures caused the area where Sumpter was fishing to become hazardous. By Dana Brown Courier regional editor Michele Sumpter-White San Bernardino, Ca 92407 http://pages.prodigy.net/white5/remembermepage.html