Rev. Verne C. Summers, 93, passed away from COVID-19 on his birthday, December 7, 2020, at Grand Ledge, Michigan.
Verne was born on December 7, 1927, at Port Huron, Michigan, to Carl J. and Velma (Lewthwaite) Summers. Verne, a United Methodist minister, was a graduate of Almont High School, Vennard College, Central Michigan University, and Asbury Theological Seminary. Between high school and college he served for two years in the Michigan National Guard. He was pastor of churches at Tilton, Iowa; Port Sanilac, Forester, McGregor, Beaverton, Dale, Elk Rapids, Williamsburg, Kewadin, Jackson (Brookside), Charlotte (Lawrence Avenue), Okemos (Community), and Mason (First), all in Michigan. After his retirement from full-time ministry, he and Dawn moved to DeWitt, Michigan, where he was employed for many years by Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Homes. During that time, he often performed funeral services for families without a church home and served as a fill-in pastor at Lansing area churches.
Verne is survived by his wife of 70 years, Dawn I. (Hulett) Summers and their children Wayne and wife Linda (O’Connor) Summers of DeWitt, Michigan; Paul and wife Alma (Grit) Summers, of Zeeland, Michigan; and Brenda Summers and wife Jeanette Hoyer of Norton Shores, Michigan. Verne was the grandfather of Eric Summers, Michelle Brower (Christopher), Jonathan Summers (Suzanne LeTourneau), Tyler Summers, Laurie Summers, Timothy Summers (Christina Voss), and Azeezah Ford. He was a great-grandfather of ten (soon to be eleven) and a favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews. In addition, Verne was an honorary father of daughter Bobbi Kemp and husband Charles, of Covina, California, and honorary grandfather of Jonathon Keaton, Gail (Kemp) Collins, Charles Kemp Jr., and Dawn Kemp-Palacios. Verne is also survived by his sister June (Summers) Klein of Allenton, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Janet (Summers) Klein.
During his life Verne loved telling jokes, tinkering with cars, boating, camping, and spending time with family. His sense of humor and love of people never failed and was present until the end. Throughout his life his faith in Jesus never wavered along with his belief that this was but a temporary home and a much better one had been prepared for him with his Father in heaven.
A service for immediate family was held earlier this month.
Online condolences can be shared at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes.
Last Updated on October 31, 2023