Eual Fredrick Summers

Eual Frederick Summers Sr. (Fred), of San Antonio, TX, passed away at 6:15 pm on Friday, July 15th, 2023, surrounded by his loving children at his home in Elmendorf, TX. He was born on October 12th, 1939, at Methodist Hospital in Peoria, IL, the beloved son of Eual H. Summers and Zelpha L. Wells. He spent his formative years in Benton, IL, where he graduated from Benton Consolidated High School in 1957.

Fred's life was marked by distinguished military service, as he served in the U.S. Army for twenty years (1959-1979). During his dedicated service, Fred bravely served in Vietnam and made significant contributions to the Brook Army Medical Center (BAMC) Burn Unit and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (R.A.R.E. assignment). Afterward, he imparted his knowledge and expertise by teaching in the advanced lab course at Ft. Sam Academy of Health & Science before retiring at the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7).

Following his military career, Fred served as a Medical Laboratory Supervisor at Methodist Hospital for twenty-six years until his retirement. His commitment to his profession and his caring nature made a lasting impact on those he worked with and the patients he served.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Fred's true joy in life was found in his role as a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and son. His love for his family knew no bounds, and he cherished every moment spent together. Fred's faith as a devoted Christian was at the core of his values, guiding him to lead a life dedicated to serving others.

Fred was preceded in death by his beloved mother, father, and sister. He leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion, cherished by his eight children, listed in order of age: William (Linda) Summers, Christopher Summers, Fred Jr. (Angela) Summers, Traci (John) Rush, Joaquin Gomez, Matthew (Esther) Summers, Marc (Michelle) Summers, and Nathan Summers. Additionally, he is survived by seventeen grandchildren: Christopher (CJ) Summers Jr., Shawn Summers, Dezireh Summers, Cody Summers, Jacob Summers, David (Amanda) Rush, Sabrina Rush, Joaquin Gomez III, Liam Gomez, Byanka Summers, Isaac Anaya, Estreya Martinez, Venus Summers, Noah Summers, Caitlin Summers, Vivienne Summers, Emma Summers, and Jonathan Summers.

Fred's impact reached far and wide, touching the lives of many. He also leaves behind a nephew Tim Pribble, many cousins, three great-grandchildren, and countless friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A graveside service to honor and celebrate Fred's life will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, July 29nd, 2023, at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery at 12740 Oddfellow Lane, Benton, IL 62812.

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