Jul 31, 2020

Jerry Vern Summers

Posted Jul 31, 2020 1:22 PM

Jerry Vern Summers, 73 of rural Ogallah, Kansas passed away at his home July 19, 2020 after a battle with liver cancer and ultimately COVID-19. He was born March 8, 1947 in Winona, Kansas to Oliver and Ecil (Finch) Summers. Jerry married the love of his life, Connie L. Mong, on August 7, 1970, in Grainfield, Kansas. This year, they would have celebrated 50 years of marriage.

Jerry’s work experience included logging. working at a grain elevator, being part of the construction crew that built the Interstate 70 bridges, operating heavy equipment for an earth moving company, 17 years as a section man with the Union Pacific Railroad, public works operator for the City of Grainfield, building and remodeling homes for a construction company and housekeeping at Gove County Medical Center. After retirement, Jerry re-entered the workforce to become a seasonal employee at Cedar Bluff State Park for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. During this time period, Jerry also joined the AmeriCorps Program where he helped with events at Cedar Bluff and various other parks in Kansas.

Jerry enjoyed spending time with his girls and attending their school activities. In his spare time, Jerry liked to take a piece of wood and carve something out of it.

Survivors include his wife Connie, of the home, two daughters, Verda Kay Flinn, of Ellis, Kansas; Gerri Lou Tauber of Ogallah, Kansas. Grandchildren include Todd Flinn (Danielle), Ticha Altman (Ryan), and Murrae Rebarchek all of Oakley, Kansas; Dakota Rebarchek (Taylor) of Quinter, Kansas; Cole Feldt of WaKeeney, Kansas. Honorary grandchildren include Wyatt Mong of Park, Kansas; Angel and Wendell Mong of Grainfield, Kansas. Great grandchildren are Kenzie, Kaylen and Easton Flinn; Shayna, Jessyna and Alyna Altman; Ayre Stephen and Brinley Rebarchek. Siblings include a sister, Dixie Taylor (Jack) of Heber Springs, Arkansas; two brothers, Lonnie Summers (Lee) of Whitewater, Kansas; Bill Summers (Bev) of Topeka, Kansas along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Ecil (Finch) Summers, a brother Bobbie Summers, and son-in-law Douglas Feldt.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 7, 2020 at 5:00pm at 33021 Q RD, Ogallah, KS. Due to the coronavirus, if you have a fever, cough or not feeling well, please send condolences via email, on-line guestbook or mail. Social distancing will be suggested at the celebration, so please bring a lawn chair if you have one.

Memorials contributions are suggested to Cedar Bluff State Park or to the family to be used as needed and may be sent in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637 or mailed to C/O Connie Summers, 33021 Q RD, Ogallah, Kansas 67656

Condolences may be left at the on-line guest book: www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to: [email protected]