Donald Rupert Summers

Donald Rupert “Buddy” Summers, 88 of Smithville, MO passed away Monday, January 28, 2013 at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cameron, MO.

 

He was born on May 6, 1924 to Curtis Rupert and Dixie Lee (Asher) Summers in Smithville, Missouri.  He graduated from Smithville High School with the class of 1942.  He then served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII in Germany.  After his honorable discharge he returned to Smithville. Buddy was a contract truck driver including a postal service route and hauling telephone poles.  He coached the American Legion Baseball Team and played for the Smithville, Edgerton and Trimble Town Baseball Teams, and also the Smithville Town Basketball Team.

 

On March 19, 1949 he was united in marriage to Geraldine Adell Hallmark.  After their marriage they lived in Smithville where they made their home.  They farmed and raised livestock.

 

He was a founding member of the Smithville Saddle Club where he served as President.  He raised American Saddle Bred Show Horses and attended American Royal Horse Shows and won several blue ribbons.  Buddy was a true lover of all animals.  Buddy and Jerry were members of the Boots and Bows Square Dance Club.

 

Buddy was also member of the Smithville American Legion Post #58.  He loved sports and was an avid Chiefs fan attending many games with Pinky.  Buddy enjoyed attending the KC Blues, Athletics and Royals games with his family and friends. 

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Wilma June Justus and brothers-in-law, Ivan “Pinky” Justus and Donald F. Warren and niece Patricia Ann (Justus) Willoughby.

 

Buddy is survived by his wife, Jerry, of the home; children, Donnie Summers and wife Tina, Lathrop, MO, Connie Lytle and husband Dave, Smithville, Dannie Summers and wife, Beverly, Smithville; his beloved dog, “Tidbit“; five grandchildren, Curtis (Amy) Summers, Jessica Summers, Lesli Summers, Chris (Lisa) Shannon, Dustin (Karen) Howerton; eight great-grandchildren, Madyson, Ethan, Melanie, JD Wayne, Makenzie, Makayla, Austin, Tyler; sister-in-law, Jackie Lee Warren; other relatives and many friends.

 

Funeral Services: 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 1^st at the Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville.

Visitation:  6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Burial with Military Honors:  Smithville Memorial Cemetery

Donations:  MO Veterans Home in Cameron or Megan’s Paws and Claws in Smithville.