Joseph Summers

Joseph R. Summers
Joseph, 92, departed this life on Friday, Jan. 23, 2015.
Graveside services, with military honors, will be Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 11:00 am at Bellwood Memorial Park in Temple with Father James Ekeocha officiating.
Joseph was born in Evansville, Indiana on December 30,1922, the fifth of seven children, to William Ezra and Elva (O'Bryant) Summers and completed his education there. Soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Joseph enlisted in the Army and was posted at Camp Roberts, CA, the Aleutian Islands, and Camp Hood, TX. It was during his post at Camp Hood that he decided at the last minute to hop on a bus with his buddy and go to Cameron, TX. That night at National Hall he met a young girl wearing a blue skirt named Milady who taught him how to dance and the 'Blue Skirt Waltz' they danced together that night became their song.
Joseph was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal on Oct. 23,1945 and they were married on November 12,1945 in Evansville, IN. Six months later they moved to Houston, TX where he learned the trade of radiator repair. In 1960 Joseph moved his family to Cameron and later opened his own business, Summers Radiator Shop. Upon retirement he became an avid walker, averaging seven miles a day and making friends along his route. Joseph was a member of St. Luke's Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and one grandchild, Phillip Delane Summers.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years; son David Summers and wife Donna; daughter Doreen Hoit and husband David; four grandchildren: Gina, Stacy, Brian and Michael; and five great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joseph's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital,
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Wounded Warrior Project, 2200 Space Park Drive, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77058.
Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple is in charge of arrangements. You may leave condolences to the family at www.harpertalasek.com.

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