Richard Joel Summers

Richard J. Summers, who reached the venerable age of 90, departed from this life on February 1, 2026, in Keyser, West Virginia. He was previously a resident of Columbia, Maryland.

On March 17, 1935, Richard was born in New York, New York, to his late parents, Charles and Nan Summers, of Falls Church, Virginia.

A 1953 alumnus of Falls Church High School, Richard furthered his education through the G.I. Bill at Potomac State College in Keyser from 1958 to 1960. There, he held the office of vice president in the Theta Sigma Chi fraternity, participated in the Engineers Club, and was a member of the Potomac State Players. His scholarly pursuits took him to Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1963. After graduation, Richard embarked on a career with Westinghouse Electric Corporation, where he served as a supervisor of Engineers in CAD/CAM EDA Development & Support within the Design Engineering Division until his retirement in 1997.

With a strong sense of patriotic duty, Airman First Class. Richard Summers enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1953. He was initially stationed at Lackland Air Force Base, Squadron 3705 Flight 642, in San Antonio, Texas. His military education continued at Kessler Air Force Base in Electronics Fundamental School. Richard's service also included two years at Leon Air Force Base in France and a year in field maintenance at Sembach, Germany.

Richard attended services with Sharon at First United Methodist Church whenever they were in Keyser. He enjoyed going to the church’s various social church events.

Richard followed many passions in life. He had a strong love of nature and loved to fish and canoe the rugged Trough canyon. He also loved to hike and explore various state and national parks around the country.

He possessed a strong thirst for knowledge that had many outlets. He had a unique talent to troubleshoot and fix various mechanical problems….from cars that broke down to designing and building a stair railing in his home that incorporated pineapple shaped newel posts - the Colonial symbol of hospitality.

Richard was also known for his fervent reading and extensive research on the Civil War and the life of George Washington with the goal of writing books on these subjects. His unfortunate diagnosis of dementia in 2016 prevented him from achieving these goals.

Despite his dementia, he still had his gift of humor and always loved a good laugh.

Richard leaves behind his beloved wife of 65 years, Sharon Wilson Summers, whom he wed on June 8, 1960. He is also survived by his two devoted sons, Drew K. Summers and his wife Kim of Austin, Texas, and Lake E. Summers and his wife Renae of Columbia, South Carolina; his cherished grandchildren, Drew K. Summers and Jason M. Summers of Austin, Texas; Samantha Summers and Andrew Washburn of Alabama; and Lake E. Summers, II and his wife Anna of Charlotte, North Carolina; and his treasured great-grandchild, Johny E.L. Washburn of Alabama. His sister Cora S. Burn of Anaheim, California, and his brother Robert Summers and his wife Beth of Fort Worth, Texas, also survive him. Additionally, he leaves behind his brother-in-law Scott E. Wilson and his wife Patricia of Bridgeport, WV, and Dolores Miers Wilson of Apex, North Carolina, as well as numerous special nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, were his brother, Charles and wife Helen Summers and brother-in-law Col. (Retired) Jack R. Wilson, II.

The family expresses profound gratitude to the WVU Medicine Hospice and caregivers Mable Miller, Becky Miller, and Nancy Rinker for their compassionate care.

The family will be receiving friends, Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with his memorial service beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Markwood Funeral Home, Keyser , West Virginia with Pastor Robert Oakley and Rev. Vickie Minnich officiating. 

With Richard's passing, we bid farewell to a man of integrity, a proud family man, and a dedicated veteran. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in memory of Richard Summers to the First United Methodist Church P.O. Box 232, Keyser, WV  26726 or  WVU Medicine Hospice, 1952 New Creek Highway, Keyser, WV  2676.

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