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Stanley Summers Obituary
URBANA - Stanley Porter Summers, 90, of Urbana died peacefully Sunday, April 30, 2023, at Meadowbrook Health Care Center in Urbana.
He was born Jan. 19, 1933, in Moberly, Mo., to Porter and Irene (Fickes) Summers. They proceeded him in death.
He married Jill (Greene) Summers on June 17, 1956, in Huntsville, Mo. She proceeded him in death in 2001. He graduated from Huntsville High School and attended one year of college at the University of Missouri before joining the Navy, where he was stationed in the Mediterranean. Upon return, he graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in physical education.
Stan and Jill settled in Urbana in 1959, where Stan received a master's degree in kinesiology from the University of Illinois, studying under Dr. Robert K. Cureton. Stan and Jill have three children, Stephen (Janet), Michael (Mary) and Martha (Gene Romero); 10 grandchildren; and two grandchildren-in-law.
Stan worked as a PE teacher and coach in the Urbana school district from 1961 to 1994. He coached girls' basketball, boys' swimming, boys' tennis and boys' track and taught drivers' education. He was inducted into the Urbana High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 2002.
He and Jill lived abroad in Rainow, England, for a year, where he did a Fulbright exchange at Kings School in Macclesfield. Martha joined them on this exchange, where they met many lifelong friends.
Stan was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana and Laborers' Local 703. He served on the Champaign County Board from 1972 to 1978 and was a Democratic precinct committeeperson, fulfilling a lifelong interest in politics.
He served as a simulated patient for the UI College of Medicine, playing the perfect "difficult patient." He was a Master Gardener. Stan loved to travel, taking trips to China, Turkey and Europe after retirement. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
A private graveside service will be held for family and friends. Memorial contributions can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana.
The family wishes to send special thanks to the staff of Meadowbrook, who took excellent care of him in the last two years.
Memories and Condolences
for Stanley Summers
Russ Greene
May 7, 2023
Stan has been a part of my life ever since he married my sister many years ago. Fun to talk to--he would always let you know where he stood on any issue! I still enjoy his kids and grand kids. May he rest in peace.
Steve Jackson
May 4, 2023
Mr. Summers was one man who I looked up to and could trust. He assisted me in a medical emergency when I was very young. He showed me that when a person needs help you help them no matter what. He was always kind and fair and funny at times and his gentle smile was a plus for him. May God rest his soul.
Albert Gentille
May 4, 2023
Very sorry about your Dad Steve. I worked with your Father for a summer many years ago. He was a great guy and and excellent Laborer. Take care, Albert
Damon Scaggs
May 3, 2023
I have such fond memories of him as a PE teacher at Thomas Paine Elementary School in the late 1960s. He had such an easy way of connecting with kids. I'm glad he lived a long and fulfilling life. He was a good man. RIP
Kristy Johnson
May 2, 2023
Thinking of you Steve and Janet and Family. Steve you took very good care of your Dad and I am sure he appreciated you very much. He is free of pain now. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Carla Chambers
May 2, 2023
My sincerest condolences to the entire family of Mr. Summers. I enjoyed having you as a teacher. It gave me great pleasure when I met your son Steve and my son and your grandson Andrew became close friends. May your family take comfort in knowing the great impact you and your family has had on Urbana Schools. May you rest in eternal peace.
Pam Ellison
May 2, 2023
My condolences to the family. I remember Mr. Summers, such a humble person. I had so much fun in his class. RIH!!
Tina Johnson
May 2, 2023
RIP Coach Stan, you accepted me on the swim team, helped me get into college and made a life long impact! You pushed me on this journey of swimming and life long movement! I will never forget you.
Nancy Blanford
May 2, 2023
What a wonderfully rich life he lived. This obituary is a wonderful memorial to his life. My sympathies go to the family.
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