Michael Earl Summers

Funeral services for Michael Earl "Mike" Summers will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the 1st Christian Church, 1215 M Street NE, Ardmore, Oklahoma, with Vicki Nix officiating and assisted by Amber Chavez. Graveside services will be at 2:00 pm Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Sulphur, Oklahoma, with Ian Bobo, Isaiah Bailey, Sam Edwards, Sean Edwards, Richard Deen, and Richard Marsack serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Sorlie, Tanner Marsack, John Price, Kyson Bailey, and Larry Edwards. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening, July 22, 2026, from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Craddock Funeral Home.

Mike was born Wednesday, September 16, 1953, in Checotah, Oklahoma, and at the age of 10 months was chosen as the son of Earl N. "Bucky" and Lolabelle (Holmes) Summers of Ponca City, Oklahoma. He spent his childhood at the American Legion Children's Home in Ponca City, Oklahoma, where his dad was the superintendent, and his mother was the secretary. Growing up in the Children's Home allowed him to do many things that he enjoyed, including hunting and fishing, and plenty of opportunities to pester his sister, Susan. After graduating high school, he entered the United States Navy. He enlisted on October 1, 1971, at Ponca City, Oklahoma, and obtained the rank of Quartermaster Third Class (QM3) and received his honorable discharge on July 31, 1975. While serving in the Navy, he received the following commendations: National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. During his term of service, he met a friend who would become a lifelong friend, Richard Sorlie. He was stationed on the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), an aircraft carrier that was in service from 1946 until 1990, including nearly a decade of action in the Vietnam War. After his military service, Michael spent several years in Southern California working in the restaurant Industry. He returned to Oklahoma and continued working in the restaurant industry and attending OSU, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Restaurant/Hotel Management in 1984.

Mike then moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma, and became the General Manager of Western Sizzlin until its closing in 1999. He then began working for City Produce/Farmers Market and retired in 2020.

Mike met Nancy Edwards in 1993, and they married June 18, 1994, in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Having wanted a family, he fit the “dad” role perfectly to Nancy's three daughters and instantly became a close family. Having been adopted gave him insight and was able to adjust to fatherhood. Later, he became the best G-Pa to 9 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Mike was an avid OU fan. He enjoyed exercising and jogged in Ardmore for over 35 years. He loved traveling and family get-togethers, and eating whatever Nancy cooked, as long as he had ketchup! Most of all, he loved the Lord and served his church, 1st Christian Church, with love and dedication. He was Chairman of the Board of the church and served as Choir Director as long as his health allowed. His love for the Lord was obvious to anyone he came in contact with.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Henry Gonzales; son-in-law, Jeremy Surratt; and his brother-in-law, Julius Marks. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, of the home; daughters, Kristina Surratt, Keri Gonzales; and Richard Marsack, Anna Price, and John Price; granddaughters, Sydney Deen, Genevieve Gonzales, Kayda Price, Tegan Surratt; grandsons, Isaiah Bailey, Ian Bobo, Christopher Triplett, and Tanner Marsack; great-grandson Kyson Bailey; sister, Susan Marks, many nieces, nephews, and a host of good friends.

The family of Mike Summers would be greatly appreciative if memorial contributions would be made to the 1st Christian Church, PO Box 1481, Ardmore, Oklahoma 73402.