Gary Summey, 78

Gary Dean Summey of Fort Myers, Fla., passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, following some recent health challenges. He was 78 years old.
Gary was born in Burr Oak, the proud son of Laura L. (Milliman) and Junior G. Summey. In 1960, he graduated from Burr Oak High School where he enjoyed playing basketball and immediately signed up for service to his country. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and spent most of his working life in the lumber industry before retiring as a millwork manager. He was the loving husband to his wife, Jo Summey, and the devoted Dad to Brian Summey (Lisa), Steven Gouker (Sherry), Robert Stahl (Charlie) and Sheryl Stahl, as well as his sisters Pat Gordon and Roberta Summey, many adoring grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, whom he leaves behind to cherish his memory.
His death was preceded by his daughters Carol Summey and Cathy Cundiff, brother Melvin Summey, sisters Carol Lash and Lila Royer and, just recently, the beloved family dog, Buddy.
In 1970, Gary met the love of his life, Jo Summey, and six months later on July 10, they were married in White Pigeon. In 1973, they made the move to Fort Myers, where they were able to celebrate their milestone 50th wedding anniversary last year. He was always there for his family and friends whenever anyone needed a helping hand. He spent the last few years caring for his wife as she recovered from some major injuries suffered from a fall and other medical issues.
Gary’s hobbies and interests all revolved around being outdoors and enjoying the beauty of nature. He loved to bass fish and go camping in his younger years and took up the game of golf later in life. Auto racing, hot rods and classic cars were always his passion. Of course, he never wanted to miss going out to dinner or a good old-fashioned family-style potluck dinner.
A memorial service for Gary will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021, inside the chapel at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, Fla. Friends are welcome to gather for an hour preceding this service beginning at 1 p.m., also inside the funeral home chapel. In closing these ceremonies, the Honor Guard from VFW Post 8463 will render military honors in grateful recognition of Gary’s service to our nation and will present his service flag to the family.
To share a story or photo, leave a tribute or to offer condolences to the family at this difficult time, visit Gary’s memorial web page, at www.fortmyersmemorial.com, and sign his guestbook.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made Gulf Coast Humane Society, https://www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org/donate.html in loving memory of Gary Dean Summey.