Robert (Pete) Leslie Summers

Robert Leslie Summers known to his friends and family as Pete passed from this life on Monday, March 25, 2013, in Jennings, Oklahoma at the age of 89 years, seven months and eighteen days. Pete was born August 7, 1923, in Ponca City, Oklahoma. He was the son of John Hiram and Cenora Clementine (Garringer) Summers. As a young child Pete grew up and attended school in Ponca City. At the completion of his education Pete moved to Cherokee, Oklahoma where he began working as a carpenterís apprentice. Pete returned following many years as an apprentice to Ponca City where he was united in marriage to the love of his life Doris Lillian Gray on January 7, 1941. The couple established their initial home in Ponca City and Pete worked for a local tire shop. In 1943, Pete was called to duty by the United States Government. Pete was inducted into the United States Navy and served his country in the Aleutian Islands as well as the South Pacific during World War II. Pete was honorably discharged in 1945 and he returned to Ponca City. Pete soon gained employment upon his return from World War II. Later in the mid to late 50ís he began working in the construction of grain elevators throughout Oklahoma and Kansas. In 1960, Pete accepted employment with the city of Ponca City where he worked in the maintenance department and was the first superintendent for the city of Ponca City. After 12 years of working for the city in early 1973, Pete went out on his own and began working as a carpenter. He built many homes in the Ponca City area as well as remodels for numerous people in the community. His attention to detail is what brought him to his love of building furniture and cabinets because he was such a perfectionist. Pete continued working and finished his last project at the age of 82 when he completed the home construction for his daughter. Pete was a man that loved his Lord. Pete worked a full time job and attended night school. He also took correspondence classes to become an ordained minister. He has filled in often at many local churches in the area including Ranch Drive Baptist as well as Indian Baptist at Red Rock to name a few. He was known for his wit and boldness to witness for Christ and his compassion for people. Pete has performed many marriages of his children and grandchildren throughout his ministry. Pete enjoyed having his children and family around for gatherings. He loved to read books and play music especially his steel guitar, dobro and spoons. Pete especially loved the times to share the word of God with everyone that he came in contact with. In his earlier days he was an avid bow hunter and fisherman and was very good at archery. During his last days Pete became very close to his granddaughter-in-law Shanna who took exceptional care of him and attended to each and every need. Survivors are his one son Cecil Thornburg and his wife Dianna of Fairfax, Oklahoma; three daughters Vivian Wallace of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Sheila Drake and her husband Jerry of Jennings, Oklahoma, Connie Westberg and her husband Lonny of Ponca City, Oklahoma; son in law Bob McClung of Ponca City, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren James Drake and wife Shanna, Mike Drake and wife Darla, Roger Drake and wife Keri, Crystal Daughterty and husband Charles, Sandra Mills and husband Steve, David Westberg and wife Lisa, Annette Hunt and husband John, John McClung; nineteen great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends that will mourn his passing. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Doris, daughter Carolyn McClung, three brothers Fred, Everett and Marvin; two sisters Alma and Irene, one grandson Peter John McClung as well as one great grandson James Drake II. Graveside Services will be held 1:00 pm Thursday, March 28, 2013 at the Longwood Cemetery with Brother Larry Nigh officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Hospice Foundation at P.O. Box 33234, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74153 or www.gracehospicefoundation.org. Friends may share a memory with the family online at www.chapman-black.com