Leo Julian Summers, who was born in Roanoke on February 28, 1923, ascended to Heaven on Wednesday, September 21, 2005. He was the son of Jackson Claude Summers and Mary Meador Summers. His siblings include Jackson Summers, Jr., Mary Lois Summers Howard, Harold Summers (deceased), Hubert Summers, and Dorothy Summers Slusher. Leo and his beautiful and devoted wife Charlotte Giles Summers, were married and deeply in Love for 64 years. Leo's seven children are, Elinor Summers Derrick, Anita Summers Hartsell, Gay Summers Hockman, twins: Vernon Summers and Lillian Summers Reynolds (deceased), Cecilia Summers Hoffman and Susan Summers Pfeiffer; Leo also had 14 grandchildren, Michael Fisher, Lisa Evans, Douglas Hartsell, Sandi Hamilton, Gwenn Corriero, Nathan Summers, Jill Summers, Tip Baker, Grayson Hoffman, Zachary Hoffman, Ian Hoffman, Tovah Privett, Jason Pigford, Travis Pigford; eight great-grandchildren, Casy Hamilton, Brandon Moore, Rosemary Corriero, Anna Corriero, Melody Baker, Layne Pigford, Mason Pigford, Baby Pigford (due in February). Leo loved all his family very much, including his daughter-in-law, sons-in-law, granddaughters-in-law and grandsons-in-law. He proudly served in the U.S. Army 755th Railway Shop Battalion, European Theatre, during World War II. He worked along with his father for the Norfolk and Western Railway for almost 20 years. He later worked 25 years for the U.S. Postal Service, retiring from there in 1983. The heart of Leo's life was his dedicated service to the Lord. he was active member of Roanoke First Church of the Nazerene for 44 years. For the past 13 years he has actively served at Gravel Hill Baptist Church in Hardy. Among Leo's many hobbies were flower gardening, fishing, hunting, and outdoor activities. He also played several string instruments and used this talent at churches and at nursing homes. Leo's passion was this closeness to his friends, neighbors and church family. He lived to help others, and gave his time and talents in the foreign mission field. The family thanks Leo's wonderful Hospice friends, particularly Tarry and Myrna, for all their outstanding help and support given. Funeral services will be conducted from Oakey's Vinton Chapel 2 p.m. Monday, September 26, 2005 with the Rev. Burrell D. Baker officiating. Burial will be in Cedar lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Oakey's Vinton Chapel, 982-2221.
Published on 09/24/2005 The Roanoke Times