Keith Summers

Keith Alan Summers, 60, passed away at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 14, 2012.
The first of 8 children, Keith was born January 27, 1952, in Washington, Missouri, to Kelley Neil and Dorla Dean Summers. The family moved from Florissant, Missouri to Springfield in 1968 where Keith attended Glendale High School, and graduated in 1970. He, along with a sister, was the first to be mainstreamed from special education into public schools.
He attended SMSU for a short time, until 1972 when he moved to Tempe, Arizona to attend Arizona State University. He graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Religious Studies in 1987.
Keith is survived by his Mother, Dorla Summers, brother Jerry Summers, sisters Susie Summers, Barbie Penn, all of Springfield, Kathy Summers-O’Reilly of Nixa, Julie McCarty of Fair Grove, Kristy Summers of Seattle, brothers-in-law Dan O’Reilly, Charlie Penn, and Mike McCarty, nephews Nathan & Aaron McCarty, Kelley O’Reilly, nieces Shelley, Kendra & Katie Summers, Erin O’Reilly, Emma & Anna Penn, and great-niece Lily McCarty.
Keith also leaves behind Summer Whitson, a special and loving friend of 33 years.
Keith is preceded in death by his father Kelley Neil Summers, his brother Daniel Dean Summers, and his nephew Matthew Rush McCarty.
A lifelong advocate for disabled rights, Keith was instrumental in paving the way for disabled students at SMSU. He had a true passion for the unborn and human rights for all. He loved good music, good books, and good beer. Terry Armes, John Dugan, Boyd Manning, Kenny Rose, Roger Scott and Dave Thomas were truer friends, closer than brothers. They carried Keith through life in more ways than just physical.
Memorial Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday March 21, 2012 in Hazelwood Cemetery Springfield, Mo. under the care of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to KSMU, Missouri State Foundation, 300 S. Jefferson, Springfield, Missouri, 65806. No visitation is planned.

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