Thomas William Summers

Thomas "Tom" Summers of Freeport, Michigan, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 31st, 2018 at his home after a year and a half long battle with cancer.  He was 77.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Monday, April 2nd, 2018 at 2pm in Our Lady Seat of Wisdom on the campus of Aquinas College.  A Celebration of Life will follow the service in the Donnelly Center also on Aquinas’ campus.

Tom was born Oct 22, 1940 in Decatur, Illinois to Stanley and Helen Summers.  Upon finishing high school in Three Rivers, Michigan, Tom entered the Navy in 1959. He enjoyed a long and successful career, which culminated with his promotion to the rank of Master Chief and he received the Navy Achievement Medal. While in the Navy he earned his bachelor's degree from Columbia University.  Tom had a varied career as an instructor, manager and lastly, as Director of the Physical Plant at Aquinas College where he also earned his MBA.  Tom was a life-long learner and held education among the highest of values.  If he didn’t know how to do something, fix something or build something he would set about to learn and then do it. Regardless of his professional titles, he was always a leader.

Tom was active for many years in the American Legion where he held multiple positions, including Commander.  Tom enjoyed many hobbies including woodworking, hunting, reading, gardening and working on and rebuilding vintage motorcycles.  Tom was a volunteer at Gilmore Car Museum where he taught youth to rebuild motorcycles.  Most importantly Tom loved spending time with his family.  He is survived by his brother James (Nancy) Summers, son Michael Summers (Michele), Daughter Jennifer (Raymond) Antel, his grandchildren Marissa, Kelsea, Thomas, Raymond, Emma, Maxwell, Zoe and Elliot,his great-granddaughter Alovia, nieces and nephews and his wife and best friend Elizabeth (Becky).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Heartland Hospice.  The family is eternally grateful for the love and care Tom received in his last six months.

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