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Thomas Summers Obituary
Tom was born in Iowa City on July 14, 1949, to Thomas and Wynema Summers. He grew up primarily in Des Moines and graduated from Dowling before serving in Vietnam. He then continued his education at Drake and the University of Iowa. He would go on to marry the love of his life, Carolyn, in 1973.
Tom loved his career as a radiologist and worked many years in Kansas City at the Diagnostic Imaging Center. He enjoyed traveling with Carolyn, history, reading, classic cars, and caring for his plant collection. He'll be remembered for his intellectual curiosity, warmth, humor, generosity, and kindness, and his lifelong love of chocolate chip cookies and Diet Coke.
Tom is survived by his wife, Carolyn, their daughter, Elizabeth, and her husband, Matthew Lammers. He is also survived by his sisters, sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, and cherished friends.
A visitation will be held at St. Augustin's Catholic Church (545 42nd St, Des Moines, IA) on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., with a funeral mass following at 11:30 a.m.The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Blood Cancer United or the Kansas Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Online condolences can be made to: www.caldwellparrish.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Summers
Sponsored by Kansas City Star.
1 Entry
Hilario Zendejas Jr
October 17, 2025
RIP my friend. It was always very
Good experience and good memories working together. Thanks for making me a better MRI tech. It was great to meet you and Carol at KCOI it brought back many good memories. Rest east my brother veteran. Until we meet to exchange stories of the past.
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Memorial Events
for Thomas Summers
Oct
21
Funeral services provided by:
Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory - Urbandale Chapel8201 Hickman Rd., Urbandale, IA 50322
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