John Garrett "Gary" Summers

John "Gary" Garrett Summers, a devoted family man, respected oilfield professional, and dedicated servant of the Taft community, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the age of 79.

Born in Bakersfield, CA, on May 23, 1946, to Ishmael Glenn Summers and Dorothy Edith Spencer, Gary was a lifelong resident of Taft. He was a proud graduate of Taft High School (1964) and attended Taft College before being drafted into the U.S. Army. From 1966 to 1968, he honorably served his country as a Military Police officer, guarding the Panama Canal.

Returning home, Gary built a long and successful career in the oilfields of the Westside. He began with Getty Oil in 1969 as a weed cutter and, through hard work and leadership, rose through the ranks to hold positions including Production Supervisor, Personnel Supervisor, and Construction Supervisor, retiring from ChevronTexaco in 2002.

Beyond his career, Gary's commitment to Taft was unwavering. He dedicated his time to the community through service on the Taft Fort Board, the Petroleum Club and the Westside Cemetery District Board. A proud veteran, he was also the Commander of American Legion Post 63, for over 20 years he helped bring the American Legion in Taft back to life, devoting over 10 years of that time to being the Commander of American Legion Post 63.

Gary was a loving husband and father. He and his first wife, Vickie Hall, shared 12 years and raised two children, Shaun and Erin. In 2023, he found joy and companionship when he married Sue Melton. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Ishmael and Dorothy, his brother William (Bill) Summers, and his beloved grandson Johnathan Summers.

Gary's love for Taft was returned tenfold by the community he cherished. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sue; his daughter, Erin Summers, and her daughter, Brenna Criswell; his son, Shaun Summers, and his wife, Jacque, and their children, Ashton, Elizabeth, and Sam, Sue's daughters, Lisa and Kendall Stoner and their children Zane and Shaylee; Christy White and her children Austin Lemmons and Caiden White; Tracy White and her children Brent White and his wife Chandra, Breann Noble and her husband Heath Rowland, and Braxton Hull. There are also great-grandchildren Walker, Weston, Carson, Jansen, and Zoey. He is also survived by his siblings, Maureen Layton and her husband Don, Don Summers, and Brian Summers, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A viewing will be held at Erickson and Brown Funeral Home on Sunday, October 5, from 4–7 p.m. Graveside services will take place on Monday, October 6, at 11 a.m. at the Westside Cemetery, followed by a reception at OT's.