Fred Summers

Fred Summers, 84, of Edmond, OK, passed away on January 14, 2026, after an extended illness. He was born on June 3, 1941, in Rogers, AR to Harold and Lillian, and was lovingly raised by his stepmother, Dott Summers, and his father, Harold, who provided him with a strong foundation of love and guidance.

Fred graduated in 1961 after playing football at Rogers HS for four years. He played fullback and received two years of All District, Honorable Mention, and he was a four-year letterman. There he met the love of his life, Diane, his cheerleader in life. Fred received a scholarship to go to the College of the Ozarks in Clarksville, AR. After attending Clarksville, Fred and his family moved to Oklahoma where he attended OCU and OSU. Fred was a member of the Putnam City Optimist Club and served four years as a football coach and coordinator. He also coached youth softball and was instrumental in the development of the Putnam City Optimist Softball complex. He was inducted into the Rogers High School Hall of Fame in 2001. Fred retired from Lucent Technologies after 42 years.

Fred was preceded in death by his father, Harold Summers; his mother, Lillian Summers; his brothers, John Summers, Gene Summers, and Homer Summers.

Fred is survived and missed by his loving wife of 65 years, Diane Summers; his children, Renee Jones and husband Gary Jones, Jeffrey Summers and wife Ayumi Summers, Sharie Blankenship and husband Steve Blankenship; his grandchildren, Kristine Summers, Tanner Jones and his fiancé Stacy Burcham, Ashley Summers and Casey Chesser, Shelby Jones and husband Francisco DeLeon, Lauren Blankenship, Parker Blankenship; great grandson, Jace Pilkington; stepmother Dott Cottrill; sister Pam Treadway and many nieces and nephews.

Some of his greatest joy was being active in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives. He had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh and gave the best bear hugs and had a profound impact on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A memorial service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Matthew’s Funeral Home Chapel, 601 S. Kelly, Edmond, OK 73003.