Henry Summers

HENRY SUMMERS 

1917 - 2011

Well known Fayette business and civic leader Richard Henry Summers died Tuesday afternoon, April 5, at Fayette Caring Center. He was 93 years of age.

The son of Joseph Edgar and Susie Maurine Powell Summers, Mr. Summers was born on the family farm near Gilliam on April 25, 1917. He grew up on the farm and graduated from Gilliam High School in 1935. A year later, he came to Fayette to work for his uncle Frank Summers in the grain elevator business. He became a partner in Summers Elevator Company in 1943 and continued in the successful management of that business until 1964 when it was purchased by Farmland Industries.

During these early years in Fayette, he met Emma Virginia Wilmesher, of Armstrong, to whom he was married on September 14, 1937. Mrs. Summers preceded him in death on May 25, 1995. He later married Marcia Blakemore, who preceded him in death in January, 2006.

Following the sale of the grain business, Mr. Summers farmed for a short time, then worked as an insurance adjuster, and became associated with the Kline Insurance and Real Estate Agency. He was later to acquire that business where he continued to work until his retirement. An active and faithful member of the Fayette First Christian Church and a tireless worker for his community, he served his church in many leadership capacities and worked to bring many positive changes to the city of Fayette. These efforts began with work to fund the equipment for Howard County’s first volunteer fire department and continued with work to make Keller Hospital and the Fayette Housing Authority a reality. He led the efforts to bring about the 1969 renovation of the Howard County Court House and was instrumental in bringing the University Physicians Clinic to Fayette. He was a past president of the Fayette Rotary Club, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and saw service on many boards and committees over the years.

Mr. Summers was a 60 year member of Fayette-Howard Lodge # 4, A.F. & A. M. and was the donor of the land on which the Fayette Masonic Temple now stands. The street on the south side of that building is named in his honor.

Surviving Mr. Summers are his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and
Robert C. Robb of Fayette. Also surviving are his grandsons; Matthew C. and his wife, Kelly Robb of Kansas City and Mark R. and his wife Danette Robb of Columbia and his great-grandchildren; Jacob Matthew Robb, Nicholas Isaac Charles Robb, Luke Konstantin Richard Robb, and Isaiah Joseph Dee Robb..

Funeral services for Henry Summers will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, April 9, at Fayette First Christian Church with Rev. Paula Ritchie and Pastor Clay DeWoody officiating. Burial with Masonic Services will follow at Fayette City Cemetery with Matthew Robb, Mark Robb, Bud Summers, Joe Summers, Brent Summers, and Tom Stock serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 pm at the church.

Memorials are suggested to First Christian Church or Unity Baptist Church care of Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service; 174 Hwy 5 & 240; Fayette, MO 65248.