The Passing of Retired Brother Donald Arthur Summers

Donald Arthur Summers, age 90, of Claremore, Oklahoma, entered his heavenly home on June 5, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Don was born on May 22, 1933, to William Arthur and Nola Mae (McGill) Summers, in Owasso, Oklahoma.  He married the love of his life, Lois M. Stephens on August 9, 1952. They were blessed with three children, Steven, Marilyn and Larry. In September of 1952, he joined the navy and served our country in Korea. He was in the Marshall Islands during the Hydrogen bomb tests. Upon his return, he worked for American Airlines, retiring after 37 years.

He and his wife, Lois, joined the Claremore Church of the Nazarene in late 1965 and were members for 58 years. He loved to sing and served as an usher. Don was a private pilot and loved flying. In his career, he survived 2 plane crashes and 1 near miss. He loved to travel, stating he had “gypsy blood”, and enjoyed going to Navy reunions. He and Lois also hosted foreign exchange students throughout the years and enjoyed sharing experiences with their students.

A collector of many things, Don had collections of train style pocket watches, coins, grandfather and mantle clocks, and a gun collection. He bought his first firearm from J.M. Davis himself and was proud that he knew him.

Don also loved horses and enjoyed being in the hay field, but his family was favorite. He loved spending time with them and was known for always saying goodbye with a Stay sweet now, or an I love you, girl. When someone brought him a treat, they almost always earned an atta girl or atta boy.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, William and Nola Mae Summers; brother, Jimmy Summers; great-grandson, Lane Summers; and great-granddaughter, Alexis Francis-Lane.

Left behind to carry on Don’s legacy, are his loving wife of nearly 71 years, Lois M. Summers; children: Steven Summers, Marilyn Pritchard and husband Robert, and Larry Summers and wife  Kathy; grandchildren: Stephanie Lane, Nick Summers and wife Channing, Ryan Pritchard and wife Brooke, Jason Summers and wife Ashli, Robert Aaron Pritchard, Madison Pritchard, Ashley Stephens and husband Kyle, Kyle Deshields, and Wesley Deshields; great-grandchildren: Cooper Lane, Autumn Summers, Ellie Summers, Gunner Summers, Leila Summers, Cutter Summers, Jaylee Summers, Alissa Pritchard, Carlie Pritchard, Eva Pritchard, Emma Pritchard, Dylan Pritchard, Emery Pritchard, Isiah Pritchard and Oakley Stephens; as well as several cousins and other extended family members.