Sumner L. Price

A giant in the Mountain Home construction industry left his tools on his work bench August First. Sumner Price, an icon of the Elmore County building trades, along with his hobbies of music, off roading and automobile restoration, leaves behind a legacy of craftsmanship and creativity. He passed away of natural causes in Mtn. Home’s Country Living assisted living facility.

Sumner was born in San Marcos Texas on March 25, 1943, while his dad was in the Army Air Force. The family later moved back to Newell, South Dakota, then moved to Spearfish where his dad and mom ran the McColley Motel.

Sumner attended Newell High School, graduating in 1961. He went on to attend the South Dakota School of Mines, later transferring to the Black Hills Teachers College where he earned his degree in music education in 1966.

Sumner moved to Mtn. Home at the urging of a friend to teach music and beginning band. He left teaching in 1972 to become a full-time contractor building and remodeling homes.

In April 1971 he married Valerie Berriochoa, then set about to build their home on North 18th East where they raised their two boys, John and Rob.

Sumner taught the boys to love the outdoors and provided numerous adventure opportunities that honed this love into a lasting legacy. Besides his first love for construction, he never lost his love for music. He was active in several bands in the area and still found time to serve in the Lion’s club where he rose to the office of president. And if that wasn’t enough, he was an active member of a local motorcycle club where he helped put on some great cross-country desert races. Every fall would find Sumner hunting deer and elk with friends and family in their favorite haunts in Central Idaho.

Sumner was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Doris Price, his sister Adrienne, and his mother-in-law Elaine McCalley.

He is survived by his wife Valerie, son John (Kim), son Rob (Rachel), and grandchildren Jerod, Nathan and Ethan and sister Miriam (Tim) Barth.

A celebration of life will be held at 12:00 pm, noon, on Monday, August 17, 2026, at the American Legion Hall, Elmore Post #26, 515 E 2nd St. S. in Mountain Home.

A private family committal service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery in Mountain Home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.