Leslie James Summers, Sr., age 78, of Thompsonville, passed away at 5:51 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at the SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, IL.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 27, 2020 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Mt. Etna Cemetery of Thompsonville. The Benton American Legion Post #280, VFW Post #2671, and the U.S. Air Force will conduct the Military Honors. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton where Masonic Rites will be performed at 7:30 p.m.
Les was born on July 28, 1941 in Thompsonville, the son of Sherman “Red” Summers and Fonda Irene (Brown) Summers. He married the former Kathleen Anne Colliton on April 4, 1964; and together they celebrated 55 years of marriage.
Les was a veteran of both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force where he attained the rank of Sergeant.
His working career consisted retiring from the coal mines, last working for Old Ben Coal Company Mine 25. He formerly served as a police officer with both the Benton and Thompsonville Police Departments. Les also, worked as a car salesman; having worked with Taylor Motors, Bert Baker Chevrolet, Demaretti Buick, and Cash Chevrolet; and he worked with the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center, transporting inmates.
He was a member of the First Christian Church “Disciples of Christ” of Benton; Akin Masonic Lodge # 749 A.F. & A.M. of Thompsonville; Benton American Legion Post #280; and the U.M.W.A.
Les enjoyed the outdoors, especially deer hunting and fishing. He loved woodworking; and was known for crafting handmade walking sticks and canes. He most enjoyed spending time with his family, especially the grandkids. He also enjoyed worshipping at his church with his many church members and friends.
Surviving is his wife of 55 years: Kathy Summers of Thompsonville; four sons: Rev. Leslie James Summers, Jr. and wife Rev. Jackie of Bardstown, KY, Rev. Greg Summers and wife Christi of Atlanta, GA, Steve Summers of Sherwood, Arkansas, Danny Summers of Thompsonville; nine grandchildren: Clayton Summers and wife Alix of Flanagan, IL, Kathryn Summers of Bardstown, KY, Gregory Keith Summers, Jr. of Charlotte. NC, Melissa Drew and husband Matthew of Cary, NC, Noah Summers of Atlanta, GA, Alex Summers and wife Trisha of Ward, Arkansas, Averie Summers and wife Emily of Maumelle, Arkansas, Dani Summers and Scott Summers of Thompsonville; five great-grandchildren: Kyleigh Hanna, Jaydin Summers, Summer Drew, Jax Drew, Jet Drew.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Myola Hatfield, Mary Miller; a brother: Huston Virgil “Pete” Summers; and a niece: Donna (Miller) Corey.
Memorial contributions may be made at the First Christian Church Fellowship Center; and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or share memories of Les, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
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