Leonard Summers

Leonard Eugene Summers, 97, passed away on January 11, 2021 in South Carolina.  Born on January 11, 1924, in Boonsboro, where he lived his entire life. He was the son of the late Venia and Pauline Reeder Summers.

He is survived by his daughter, Linda, son-in-law, Maurice; his granddaughter, Kimberly of Myrtle Beach; his grandson, Bryan and daughter-in-law, Bethany; and his granddaughters, Madison and Alexia of Hagerstown.

His mother and father were not wealthy, so he had to quit school in the 8th grade to stay home and help his mom and dad cut wood in the mountains. He would then cut it up and take it to town to sell.  His mother took in washing and Leonard would help his dad in the mountains, he would then pick up and deliver the laundry.

At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Army/Air Force.  Shortly after basic training, Leonard was sent to Europe to serve as a flight engineer on B17 in the Mighty Eighth Air Force, flying 35 missions over Germany.  He was awarded three air medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross.  He returned in April of 1945 to surprise Lorraine.  They were married and went back to Tampa to finish his tour.

After returning home, he went to work at Fairchild,  after several lay-offs, he went to work at Mack Truck.  After additional lay-offs, he searched for more stable employment, which began his insurance career.  First, he was told he would have to get his GED, he did and then went on to Hagerstown Business College.

Leonard was contacted by Phil Master and asked to think about becoming an Erie Insurance agent. It eventually proved to be a good choice.  Phil was a great mentor and a great friend.  His first office was in his home before moving to Main Street.  After many years in Boonsboro, his son-in-law, Maurice, came on board and kept the business going after Leonard retired.  Now his grandson Bryan, is the third generation to continue his legacy.

Aside from work, he loved to fish for trout and did a little hunting in the earlier years.  His biggest passion was his Studebaker cars.  He would buy one that needed some fixing up, take it into his garage and tear it completely apart - much to Lorraine's dismay.  His pride and joy was a 1963 GT Hawk.

He was a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Boonsboro and lifetime member of Clopper-Michael American Legion in Boonsboro.  He also belonged to Antique Automobile Club of America and Studebaker Driver's Club and Mason Dixon Car Club, where he and Lorraine would take his Studebaker to parades and outings and enjoy being with their friends.

The family would like to thank Fahrney-Keedy Assisted Living staff and caregivers, Petra and Lisa for their loving care.  Leonard was loved and respected by those who knew him.  He will be greatly missed and always remembered.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be made in his name to Clopper-Michael American Legion , Trinity Lutheran Church , Boonsboro, MD or to an animal shelter of one's choice.