LCDR BENJAMIN F. SUMMERLIN

LCDR BENJAMIN F.
SUMMERLIN, 90
Accomplished Naval
Officer

LAKELAND - LCDR Benjamin F. Summerlin, 90, died on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center of complications from a cardiac event.
He was born May 22, 1923, in Arcadia, FL. Out of high school he entered the Navy and rapidly advanced through the enlisted ranks to be the first Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO, E-8) and the first Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO, E-9, the top 1% of the Navy). At the twenty year point of his career, he was promoted to the officer ranks and retired as a LT Commander. In his 30 yr career he held every rank from a Seman Apprentice to a Commander.
He was a cryptologist who had assignments all over the world: Guam, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Hawaii three times, Germany. Also West and East Coast.
He investigated the Pueblo incident, due to the world wide classified on board (Pueblo is the only naval ship in Naval history to be captured without a single shot. It is still held by the North Koreans to this day).
He is survived by his son, Capt. Benjamin F. Summerlin, Jr. (born on his dad's 21st birthday), Honolulu, Hawaii.
Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, Nov 30, 2013, viewing at 1 pm and service at 2 pm at the First United Methodist Church chapel, 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, Florida.
Condolences may be sent to www.heathfuneral chapel.com