Fred M. Summers

Fred M. Summers, 84, of Wilmington, passed away on May 26, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Julia Curry, of seven years.
Fred was born on April 8, 1938 in Wilmington, a son of the late Bert and Alberta (Gray) Summers. He graduated with the Wilmington High School Class of 1956 and from Wilmington College in 1960.
His athletic accomplishments earned him nine varsity letters, starring in football, basketball, track and field. He was awarded the Denver Williams Cup for scholar-athlete in 1956. He played two years of basketball at Wilmington College. Fred went on to coach at Wilmington High School, winning six SCOL titles in 11 years, in track, basketball and baseball.
He was inducted as a member of the Football Referee Hall of Fame after 35 years as a referee. Fred was a member of the Clinton County Hall of Fame and the WHS Wall of Fame.
He was Athletic Director for 10 years, and a principal for 25 years.
After retirement he worked part-time at the Wilmington Transit System.
He was a member of the First Christian Church "Disciples of Christ".
He was an avid sports enthusiast of the Wilmington Hurricane, Wilmington College, OSU Buckeyes, Cincinnati Reds and Bengals. Fred enjoyed camping and going on vacations with his family. He and Martha Jane spent several winter months in Florida visiting their two kids and spoiling their grand dog, Weezer.
While playing basketball in high school (1953-1954), Fred broke the record for most assists in one game and held that record for 37 years.
At only a few days old, Fred attended the Clinton County Fair. Except for one year, Fred attended 82 Clinton County Fairs.
He enjoyed all sports, and attended many games. Once he retired, he continued attending sporting events and his lifelong contributions to the community led to the renaming of the Wilmington High School gym as the "Fred Summers Court", which was one of his proudest accomplishments.
He had a passion for Western movies and loved telling jokes.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Bruce (Danny Austin) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; a daughter, Brenda Summers of Fort Lauderdale; a step-daughter, Tina (Sam) Terrell; a step-grandson, Brent (Erica) Terrell; a step-granddaughter, Bridgette (Milfred) Abraham; step great-grandchildren, Austin and Ace Terrell, and Connor and Priya; nieces, Kenna Edwards of Wilmington and Deborah Ann Tackett; a nephew, Eddie Summers; and several cousins.
In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his first wife, Martha Jane; in-laws Bruce and Ruth Ellen Rhoades; brothers Kenneth (Janie), John (June), Edwin "Ducky" (Mary Ann), and Bobby Summers; and a stepson, Tony.
The funeral service will be held 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 31 at the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, 120 Columbus Street in Wilmington. Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. at the church. The service will be streamed live on the Brown Funeral Home Facebook page.
The burial in Sugar Grove Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wilmington High School Athletics Department, 300 Richardson Place, Wilmington, OH 45177, or to Community Care Hospice, 1669 Rombach Avenue, Wilmington, OH 45177.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 3, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the "Fred Summers Court", Wilmington High School, 300 Richardson Place in Wilmington. Because of Fred's love of sports, we ask that you wear your favorite sports team casual attire.
The Brown Funeral Home is serving the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.arehart-brown.com , or see its Facebook page, Brown Funeral Home.
 

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