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BORN
1933
DIED
2023
Leon Summers Obituary
February 24, 1933 July 14, 2023
Bakersfield The light on the Barber Pole was turned out for the last time on July 14, 2023. The Barber as he was lovingly called by his family left this earth at the age of 90, with his kids by his side. Dad left a legacy of integrity, loyalty, love of his profession and mostly love of his family.
Leon Summers was born on Feb 24, 1933 in McAlister, OK. T.R. and Jettie Summers had 10 kids with dad being the second eldest. The family migrated to California, setting in Kern County where the majority of the Summers clan remained. The family made their home in Wasco where Dad attended local schools until enlisting in the Navy in January 1952. He served one Tour of Duty during the Korean War aboard the USS Cabildo (LSD-16). This where he was introduced to his lifelong passion for barbering by giving his very first haircut to the Captain of his ship.
Leon left a legacy of hard work and of equally hard play. Early memories of family time riding in his Dune Buggy, fishing, Sailing on Lake Woollemes, camping and sailing at Huntington Lake come to mind. He was always tinkering with something, woodworking, his 1966 Chevy pickup, his RC planes. He was a gifted craftsman and artisan as well as mechanic and all round handy guy. Dad was networking before networking became a thing. \His career as a barber began with his Navy tour and took him to various shops in Bakersfield, with the majority of his career spent in Oildale. His last shop was Airport Barber Shop and we always knew he was at work when we saw his blue Chevy Pickup parked in the front. He had a loyal client base who have followed him from shop to shop. Remarkably, he worked until he couldn't, retiring in March. He has been cutting hair in Kern County since the late 1950's, 75 years of barbering.
Dad was predeceased by his parents, T.R. and Jettie, siblings Jerry, Dave, Ila, Jeannie, and Ernie. He now joins his beloved wife Pattie, just in time for NASCAR and the start of football season.
His legacy of kindness, hard work and family dedication will be carried on by his children and their spouses, Kim (Michael) Bean, Terry (Deanna) Summers, Chris (Darrell) Summers, Gary (Oleta) Fowler, John (Lisa) Fowler. He is survived by brothers Wayne (Glenda) Summers, Jim (Linda) Summers, Eddie Summers and Carl (Sandy) Summer) His Papa status extends to many grands, greats and great greats, each and every one having a special placin in his heart.
Dad had a wicked sense of humor and a ready smile. He made an impact on this earth and was loved by many. His life was an exemplary representation of his love of Christ and Christian values. He will be missed!
Services will be Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 10am at Bakersfield National Cemetery. Reception to follow at Grace Assembly Church. Please email [email protected] if you plan to join us in celebrating our father's legacy.
www.bakersfield.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leon Summers
Tina
August 7, 2023
Wayne, my deepest condolences to you, Glenda and the family. ~TinaMiller
Pat scott
August 7, 2023
Leon worked in my barber shop on oildale Dr. I learned a lot from this man. Great barber and greater man.
Jeff Ward
July 31, 2023
Leon will always be my barber. I followed him to whatever shop he went to and then to his little shop in the backyard. Someone else may cut my hair but Leon is still my barber. Loved talking woodworking and radio remote planes. Rest in peace, JW
Mike Lindsey
July 31, 2023
Leon cut my hair for thirty years. We swapped firewood for haircuts until he got a electric fireplace.We would talk about our gardens and r.c planes.I will miss our visits and his witty conversation.A good man.
Bruce Vasquez
July 30, 2023
I had the privilege of being Leon's karate instructor in the 1980's. He impressed us by earning his brown belt in his mid 50's. He also gave my son his first ever hair cut. My best wishes to his family. Grand Master Sifu Bruce Vasquez.
pete fields
July 30, 2023
He was my sparring partner he invited me to his home and his punchbag. I went by his shop recently to invite him to join a few of the students and our sensei to a reunion but it was his birthday and he had plans. He didnt recognize me. Then again he had a customer and couldnt visit with me. But it was good to see him. RIP Leon Pete
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