Roy McClellan Summers passed peacefully into the arms of his heavenly family on August 4, 2023, in Advance, North Carolina, at the age of 91. He was born on March 26, 1932, in Leoti, Kansas, the first of nine children, to Alice Ruth Elder Summers and Henry David Summers.
Roy was preceded in death by his wife of seventy years, Barbara Jean Logan Summers; his parents, Alice Ruth Elder Summers and Henry David Summers; sister, Dorothy Summers Harbin; brother, Howard Summers; and sons-in-law, Richard Foster and Fred Desporte.
Surviving him are his three daughters: Debra Desporte, Lady Lake, FL; Roxanne Weiss (Ken), Port St. Lucie, FL; Gina Foster, Pitman, NJ; six grandchildren: Rebecca Desporte Logan, Lady Lake, FL; Troy Desporte, Raleigh, NC; Rachelle May, Prescott, AZ; Kathryn Weiss Bushey (Matthew), Deerfield Beach, FL; Amy Foster Riggs, Gibbstown, NJ; Ashley Foster Patterson (Joshua), Monroeville, NJ; brothers: Don Summers, Lakin, KS; Merle Summers (Lou Ann), Blackwell, OK; sisters: Helen Summers Ridder (Elmer), Leoti, KS; Delora Summers Stites (Gene) Midlothian, VA; Bessie Summers Brown (Jack), Salt Lake City, UT; Barbara Summers Heili (Don), Garden City, KS; brother-in-law, Dennis Logan, Advance, NC; sixteen great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.
Roy cherished each of his family members. He was a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather, son, and sibling. He enjoyed watching his daughters grow and have families of their own, and delighted in sharing stories of his growing up years on a small farm and attending schools in Kearny County, Kansas.
Roy had a full and illustrious career. He joined the Navy during the Korean War, when he was eighteen years old. His hard work and dedication helped promote him as fast as regulations allowed. Later in life, in 1986, Roy was able to graduate with a BS from Thomas Edison State College, Trenton, New Jersey. This was accomplished by his previous work experience and earned college credits. It was a special day surrounded by his family.
After discharge from the Navy, Roy was hired by RCA. He would help design and supervise navigational systems throughout central U.S. and South America. His expertise of electronic systems and willingness to learn new job requirements opened doors to travel and a variety of employment in Puerto Rico, Florida, and New Jersey. Following retirement, Roy continued working as a consultant for a computer programming software system throughout Europe.
Roy and Barbara eventually retired to North Carolina, enjoying nature and a beautiful view of the golf course from their home. Throughout the years, they continued to cherish their lifelong friendships, staying in contact with colleagues and high school friends. They were welcomed with loving arms by their new friends in North Carolina.
In honor of Roy’s life, a service will be held Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 11:00 AM, CST at the Lakin Presbyterian Church, in Lakin, Kansas, followed by a graveside service with military honors, then lunch at the church. Roy and his wife Barbara Jean graduated from Lakin High School in 1950 and married soon after.
Barbara joined her heavenly family on February 10, 2021. She and Roy will be interred together near family members in the Lakin cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations to purchase “mechanical furry companion pets.” These delightful pets will be given to people in need and in nursing facilities. His beloved “Puddy” brought Roy and the family countless moments of joy. Please go to https://gofund.me/ b94653bf to make donations.
