Loveland, Ohio — Howard Henry Summers, who was lovingly called “Dude” by those who knew him, passed away peacefully the morning of June 26, 2021, surrounded by his daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. Dude, who was born March 29, 1941, in Lakin, had immense pride for his home state. He relished his role as a loyal Kansas sports fan, helpful neighbor, and most of all, a cherished father, brother, and grandparent. He took pride in his lifelong career as a farmer in Kearny County.
Besides his childhood pet goat, Dude was pre-deceased by his parents Alice Ruth and Henry David Summers, his sister, Dorothy Harbin, and the two loves of his life, whom he cared for while they fought their own battles with cancer.
He was married to his wife Karen Summers on October 11, 1969, in Leoti, Kansas, where they then moved to Garden City and raised their two children, James Summers and Dixie Bingham.
Dude, a frequent flyer at the dances at the Senior Center, met his second wife, Lucy Wiens, probably while doing the twist or singing Elvis Presley. The two were married on July 3, 2010, in Dodge City, and lived together in Cimarron.
A lifelong sports fan, Dude knew how to be your biggest supporter. Beyond owning a T-shirt for every college that his children or grandchildren attended, Dude rarely passed up the opportunity to cheer on his kids and grandkids in their accomplishments with sports, school, and their careers.
He was also a patient teacher. He excelled in coaching basketball at the YMCA in Garden City. Not surprisingly, Dude also had an impressive basketball career at Kendall High School, where he played point guard.
Dude always taught his children to lead with a servant’s heart. He served his country in the United States Army in Korea. After completing his service to the military, Dude continued to be an excellent servant to his community.
For many people in Cimarron, Dude was the one who took in their trashcans, fetched their mail and ran their errands to Sam’s Club.
Dude is survived by his three brothers, Roy, Don, and Merle, in addition to his sisters Helen Ridder, Delora Stites, Bessie Brown, and Barbara Heili. In such a large group, Dude made himself stand out being the selfproclaimed “funny one” of the family. Whether it was an odd nickname or one of his special alterations to a famous song, Dude had a talent for making people laugh.
Also left with fun nicknames of their own are his children, Jim Summers and Dixie Bingham, and his grandchildren Cassandra, Rhett, and Lauren Summers; and Hannah and Raygan Bingham. Dude was also blessed with inheriting stepchildren Steve, Greg, and Roger Wiens, and Linda Ricker.
Funeral services will be held at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Dodge City, at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 2, 2021, followed by graveside services where he will be laid to rest with full military honors at Leoti Cemetery in Leoti, on Saturday, July 3 at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to please consider donating to Heartland Hospice in Cincinnati, Ohio.
May we try to serve our community and remember birthdays half as well as Dude Summers. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.
