Name: Visitation for Thomas John Summers
Start: 2025-10-18T10:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-10-18T14:00:00.000Z
Location: Solan - Pruzin Funeral Home and Crematory

Thomas John Summers

Thomas John Summers, Sr. age 80, passed away in Zionsville, IN on Thursday, October 9, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Madeline (Udowski) Summers; parents, Louis and Ann Summers; children, Andrea (Ted) Winkler, Thomas (Jessie) Summers II, and Anthony (Jennifer) Summers; grandchildren, Lauren and Nicholas Winkler; Aren, Leo, and Carolyn Summers; brother Robert Summers and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He graduated from Bishop Noll Institute (1963), served in Vietnam with the U.S. Army 1965-67, and graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor's/Masters in Education. He taught History and coached numerous sports for almost 40 years at Highland H.S. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held on October 18, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Solan -Pruzin Funeral Home, 14 Kennedy Ave., Schererville, IN.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times on Oct. 15, 2025.

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MONTALVO FAMILY

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Fred James Mikler and Annie Mikler

October 16, 2025

To Tommy's friends and relatives. He was a great family man and friend. that showed in conversations and actions. His great smile, calm presence, and understanding was pleasing. He helped make the world a better place. All that knew him will always remember him. He will sadly be missed by all.

Jim Hus

October 16, 2025

Tom was a fantastic colleague whom I learned greatly from when I joined the staff at HHS later in life. He made the world a better place and helped guide his students to a better place. He was someone I highly respected. A man of fine character.

Ed & Debbie Pilipow

October 16, 2025

In Loving Memory
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our beloved cousin Tommy. He was truly a sweet and loving soul whose warmth touched everyone around him. His kindness, gentle spirit, and the joy he brought to others will never be forgotten.
May you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared and strength in the love that surrounds you. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
With heartfelt sympathy,

Marion Blank

October 15, 2025

Deepest condolences to the entire Summers Family! Tom was a great, gentle giant who always entered a room with a friendly welcoming smile. He will be remembered for being a wonderful husband to his wife, an encouraging, loving father to his children and an unforgettable grandfather!! We must remember every great memory he has left us! May the Dear Lord bless you with eternal rest and grant you eternal peace! You are already missed!!

Jared Lazaro

October 15, 2025

Tom was a great guy and a pleasure to work with always. We always managed to sit and talk for an hour every time he stopped in. I'm going to miss his stop ins and chatting with him. Its not often you get to have a close relationship with customers but he is one I will never forget. Rest easy Tom. It was good knowing you.
~Lz's motorsports~

Rose Mary and Maryann Markovich

October 15, 2025

Our condolences to the Summers Family. He grew up on Carey St in East Chicago and we were
neighbors. Sincerely, Rose Mary and Maryann Markovich

Mike and Joanne Kovacich

October 15, 2025

Dear Summers family, we were saddened to hear of your loss. I received a text from Beau and called him to express our condolences. It was always fun to spend time with Tom, usually smoking a cigar in his driveway. Some of my patients also told me about his time in Viet Nam and how he saved lives with our military there. He was always larger than life itself. Rest in peace, Tom. You will be missed.

Dustin Coomes

October 14, 2025

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Coach Summers. He was so much more to me than just an assistant coach — he was a true friend and mentor. I’ll always treasure the many laughs we shared over the years.
Coach Summers was a great role model for every young man who came through the Zionsville West basketball program. His impact on the players and our community will be felt for years to come.
I will honor his legacy in the seasons ahead and always remember his classic reminder to the kids: “Use the backboard.”

Randy Gumkowski

October 14, 2025

To the family and friends so sorry for your loss. Rest Easy Hero.

Randy Gumkowski (INPGR)

Marvin Jurjevic

October 14, 2025

Coach Summers was a teacher and mentor of epic proportion. He was stern but fair. He was a friend and a listener when needed. He was always there when you needed him. He would open the gym for summer workouts on his own personnel time. I only wish I got to speak with him one more time. God Bless you Mr. Summers
Thank you Sir

Dennis Kaminski

October 13, 2025

I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Summers for many years at HHS. He was a great person to have in your corner. He always had a smile and a hello. He also shared some of his childhood memories with me as he and my cousin were in the same class at Holy Trinity School in East Chicago. I know he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Joyce Petska

October 13, 2025

Nice, tough and excellent teacher and coach.

Tara

October 13, 2025

Great memories of him playing classical music during Goverment and him sharing stories of Vietnam.

Michael Raysses

October 13, 2025

A tree has fallen, and you can hear its echo in the voices of all who feel Tom's loss...

Melanie Moynihan

October 13, 2025

Was saddened to have heard of Coach Summers passing. HE was a great Mentor/Coach to my son, Danny Moynihan, along with others he Coached or taught in the classroom. Prayers to the Summers Family.
Dan and Melanie Moynihan

Scott Carlson

October 13, 2025

Tom was so much more than a coworker to me. I went into teaching after my dad died and was lucky enought to have Tom Summers as my mentor teacher during my time as a student teacher, and he will always be my forever mentor as I worked full time. He was my second dad. His advise guided me through my life, being married, having children and understanding what's important. Family. I always say that i have a list of the best and most influential people in my life, Tom Summers is #1. We are all blessed to have had him in our lives. God bless.

Natasha Djuric-Schweitzer

October 13, 2025

Mr. Summers was an incredible educator. He left an impact on me that I will carry through my life. We enjoyed talking to each other about our backgrounds, he told me of his Croatian ancestry and I told him about my Serbian ancestry. There are not enough words to say just how much he meant to me, and so many of his students at HHS.
To his family, I am sorry for your loss. I pray you all find peace in the wonderful memories you have.
To Mr. Summers - May your memory be eternal. Thank you for everything!

Jack Krmpotic’

October 13, 2025

I will miss Tom so much. A kind & dear cousin of mine. He certainly was a tremendous man. He touched so many life’s.

Fred & Pam Gnerlich

October 13, 2025

Tom will be missed by all. He was a great friend and neighbor. We had many wonderful times with him and Madge. I’m so sorry to the entire family on their lose. Sending deepest condolences to all of you.

Coach and me-Zionsville West -Dec. 2024

David Nagel

October 13, 2025

Coach Summers was one of the best men I have ever met. Loved playing for him, absolutely loved his US History class, and loved that I was able to visit with him during zionsville basketball games the last few years. He hadn’t changed-his wit and humor were only surpassed by his support for his former middle school players and his desire to see them play. I am fortunate to have had him as a coach, teacher, and friend. Prayers to his entire family.

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