Hugh Summers

Hugh Lee Summers, 91, of Kahoka passed away January 12, 2023, at the Clark County Nursing Home.  Hugh was born August 30, 1931, on the family farm at Cordele, Georgia, the third son of Oscar Heard Summers and Nancy Estelle (Dorough) Summers.  Hugh graduated from East Crisp High School in 1949.  He then attended Georgia Southwestern College in Americus, Georgia. 

            Hugh enlisted in the U. S. Air Force, serving in the Korean Conflict.  He was later assigned to technical training at the Kirksville Normal School (now Truman State University) in Kirksville.  While there, he met the love of his life, Marjorie Ann Smith, who was his typing teacher.  In the fall of 1953 Hugh proposed to Marge and they were married on July 24, 1954, at the First Christian Church in Hannibal, Missouri. They had 3 sons, Scott (Jan), Steve (Lynn) all of Kahoka and Greg (Teri) of Florence, Alabama.   She preceded him in death on April 13, 2015.

            Hugh and Marge moved to Kahoka in 1957 where he was the manager of Home Gas Company.  He and Michael Bricker later purchased Matlick Lumber Company which they operated until 1984.  Hugh loved to fly and obtained his private pilot’s license in 1976.  He and three friends later owned a Cessna 210 which he loved to fly.

            After selling his business in 1984, Hugh dedicated many years to public service.  He was a member of the Northeast Regional Library Board, Clark County Health Department Board, Clark County Nursing Home Board, Keokuk Area Hospital Board and the State Nursing Home Board. 

            Hugh and Marge also traveled widely, visiting all 50 states and many European countries.  They enjoyed taking their grandchildren on driving trips every summer visiting many states in the process.

            An avid golfer, Hugh was a long-time member and past president of Keokuk Country Club.  He, along with his friends Joe Krichel, Don Steingraeber, Craig Lamporte, Sam Poe and Les Fowler were the original Country Club “Asholes” and enjoyed many pranks, antics and dinners at the Country Club.  He was later a member of the Elks Club in Keokuk and enjoyed golfing there with his friends, Keith Alger, Dick Logsdon and many others.  Hugh had 2 holes in one and regularly shot better than his age.  He beat his grandsons in the game until he gave up golf a couple of years ago.

            Hugh was a 52-year member of St. Francisville Lodge #588, AF & AM and various other York and Scottish Rite bodies.  He was also a Shriner and enjoyed participating in their activities.  Hugh was also a member of the Kahoka Christian Church for over 60 years where he served as a Deacon and Elder for many years.  He was also President of the church board and a Trustee of the church.

            After Marge’s passing Hugh had the good fortune to know Anne Conrad.  They shared many meals, card games, trips and good times over their short relationship.  “Miss Anne” was a blessing to him in making life worth living again and caring for him in his final days.  She is a wonderful lady and a dear friend to all.

            In addition to his parents, and wife, Hugh was predeceased by his brothers, Oscar and his wife, Sarah, and Marvin Summers and his wife, Jo.  He is survived by his sons, four grandchildren, Zach Summers, Alex Summers, Stephanie Little and Collin Summers, 2 great-grandchildren, Wyatt Little and Brexlee Summers as well as his wonderful friend and companion, Anne Conrad.  He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Dane E. Smith, of Dubuque, Iowa, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

             Funeral services honoring Hugh’s life will be conducted at 10:30 am on Monday, January 23, 2023, at the Kahoka Christian Church. Pastor Rick Addison will officiate. Interment will follow at the Keokuk National Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded. Masonic rites will be conducted at 2:30 pm on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at the Wilson & Triplett Funeral Home in Kahoka followed by a visitation from 3:00 until 5:00 pm. Memorial contributions in memory of Hugh are suggested to the Kahoka Christian Church or to The Great Honor Flight. You are invited to share your memories of Hugh and leave a condolence at www.wilsontriplett.com