Glenn Charles Summers

A Memorial for Glenn Summers, 78, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on April 15, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Mineral Wells.

Glenn Charles Summers was born on February 27, 1943 on a ranch in Middebranch, Nebraska.  He was the youngest of 11 children. He attended elementary school at the local country school and graduated in May 1961 from O’Neill, Nebraska High School. 

He married Demaris (Dee) Strong, and they moved to Omaha, Nebraska where Glenn began working for U.S. Naval Officers recording activity at Fort Omaha.  He transferred to the U.S. Army Map Service in July 1963, which was later renamed the Defense Mapping Agency and then the National Geospacial Intelligence Agency.  Glenn progressed in his career with a top secret clearance during the height of the Cold War.  Later, when the agency was moved to Mineral Wells, Texas, Glenn and Dee actively served at First Baptist Church of Mineral Wells.  Glenn retired as a Director in the Defense Mapping Agency in January of 2004 after being one of a handful chosen for a top secret government project, some of which will never be known, but involved National security in the event of a global disaster.

Glenn and Dee raised two children, Brad Summers and Pam Summers.  He was a loving husband and father devoted to his family.  The family embarked on many car trips across the United States, covering 30 states.  Glenn and Dee were key members of the Omaha Wesleyan Church where Glenn led a bus ministry to the inner city and served on the board. 

Dee developed early onset Alzheimer’s in her early 50’s, and although he was still actively working, Glenn cared for Dee for years at home, and ultimately, when it became clear that she needed additional care, he visited her every day until she passed away in May of 2003. 

A close family friend for years, Elaine Fox, became his wife.  They enjoyed a decade together traveling across the United States and to international locations until Elaine’s untimely death.

After retirement from Government Service, Glenn began as a Contractor using his specialized knowledge until ultimately retiring again in January 2012.  In addition to his dedicated service to First Baptist Church of Mineral Wells where he was a founding member of a group of seniors that are still active today, he also served at the Palo Pinto County Hospital as a volunteer, the Senior Center of Mineral Wells Board of Directors, and as a volunteer for the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program for children. 

Glenn found a hometown girl and married Vel Ernst who was born and raised near that small farming community where Glenn grew up.  They married in October of 2015 and enjoyed a life of family, friends and travel.

All who knew Glenn would describe his generosity and sense of humor.  He was a true friend to so many, and brought a peace and calm to a room, simply by walking in.  His life of giving included family, friends, and many missionaries that he quietly sponsored and supported throughout his life.

The light of Glenn’s life were his children, Brad and Pam, and his grandchildren Zoe Newman, Zach Summers, Jakob Wetmore, and Emilie Grove, and recently, his great grandchild, Miles Wetmore.  He attended nearly every graduation, wedding, and celebration.  He loved playing card games and board games, often resulting in laughter by all as he cracked a grandpa joke or told a story or even dealt cards with a flair and style.  He enjoyed Nebraska Husker football, listening to vintage country and gospel music, and helping a hand to any friend in need.  He adored Christmas with family and his childlike wonder led him to always be the first to tear into his gifts.  His work ethic was legendary, his persistence unmatched, and his true happiness and love for others was known by all. 

His faith was deep and practical.  Simply put, he not only believed it, he lived it.

He is survived by his wife Vel Summers, his son and daughter in law Brad and Monica Summers, his daughter Pam Summers, his granddaughter Zoe Newman and grandson-in-law Cody Newman, his grandson Jakob Wetmore and granddaughter-in-law Katie Wetmore and greatgrandson Miles Wetmore, his granddaughter Emilie Grove and grandson-in-law Ryan Grove.  His sisters Kathy Hornback, Mae Strong, Donna Tomadakis, and Mary Grasso. 

Link to service: https://youtu.be/kI9TvN1-qL8