Gerald R. “Jerry” Summers (1943-2026)

By Paso Robles Press · Thu Sep 24 2026

Gerald R.“Jerry” Summers passed away peacefully on July 4th, 2026, at the age 83, after

suffering a stroke. It seems fitting that Jerry, such a proud patriot who dedicated four years of his

life to serving his country in the United States Navy, aboard the USS Midway from 1960 - 1964

would leave this world on Independence Day. He always wore RED on Fridays until all our

troops came home.

Jerry was born on March 31,1943 in Pocahontas, Iowa. When he was four years old, his family

moved to the Paso Robles area after his father was stationed at Camp Robert’s Army Base.

Jerry grew up in Paso Robles and spent much of his life there, surrounded by family and friends

and the community he loved.

After his time in the Navy, Jerry continued working in the family automotive business before

becoming a parts manager for Pala Equipment. Later he worked at The Youth Authority until its

closure and then he retired.

Jerry was a member of our local Moose Lodge 243 & Elks Lodge 2364 for 47 years, where he

made many friendships and shared many good memories. In 2002-2003 Jerry received Citizen

of the Year award from the Elks Lodge, also in 2016-2017 he received Volunteer of the Year,

and lastly being awarded Elk Of the Year in 2018 - 2019.

He received the opportunity to take The Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. It was an experience

he cherished and was incredibly grateful for. I will always be grateful for Todd Osborne, who was

Jerry’s escort throughout the trip. He made the entire experience so special for him. Jerry was

so thankful for that trip, and for the opportunity to be honored for the service he had given so

many years before.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Jan Summers, son, Joshua Eppert, daughter-in-law, Jennifer

Eppert; Grandchildren, Hailey Butler [Ryan], Lane Eppert, and Madison Eppert, who was

especially involved in helping care for her Papa, Great grandchildren Rhett and Reed Butler.

Grandsons, Jeremiah Abbott and Dimitri Abbott. His sisters Pat Chicon, Helen Hensley, and

Darla Burroughs, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvah and Betty Summers, his son Billy Abbott, his brother Alvah “Tub” Summers & his wife Alice, His sister Sharron McClean and Jean Aviles

(Domingo), his uncle Bill Winegarden [Vonnie] and Brother-in-Laws Jim Hensley, Louie Chicon,

and Mike Burroughs, his nephew AC Summers and niece Tina Summers.

Jerry was a proud patriot, a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a loyal friend,

and a man who lived his life surrounded by the people and things he loved.

Please join us for a Celebration of life honoring his memory on September, 26th 2026 at

11:00am at Paso Robles Moose Lodge 635 28th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446. We invite family

and friends to come together to share memories, stories and celebrate a life so deeply loved.