Olathe, Kansas –David Lee Summers, 65, died Friday, September 2, 2016 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park due to complications associated from a car accident. Davidis survived by his loving wife Michele Summers(Wickey- Hunt); son Michael Summers(Christina); daughter, Lashay Summers; two step-children Andrew and Matthew Hunt; grandchildren, Isaiah, Jaden, Nadiya, Emery, Finneus, Ashton and Breckan, and many close and devoted friends and collegues. David was born on September 22, 1950 in Kansas City and was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Wanda Summers, and was a lifelong resident of the Kansas City area. After graduating from Southwest High School in 1967, he attended Central Missouri State University, graduating in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Dave had a natural ability towards mechanics and liked to tinker and invent new products, and improve existing ones, just like his father before him. 43 years ago Dave began working at Koch Supplies, a supplier to the food processing industry, where he was hired as an equipment technician, worked his way through sales to become the head and driving force of the supplies division. Koch Supplies having been acquired by Bunzl Processor Division, Dave attained the position of Vice President of Product Development for BPD. Not only was he a respected member of his workplace, more importantly, he was a mentor and a good and valuable friend to all who worked with him. Dave had a passion for both cars, mechanics and music, and loved to build and remodel classic hot rods or learn new blues riffs on his guitar. He had a deep love of animals, and cared deeply for his dachshund, "Slinky". Funeral services will be held Friday, September 9 at 2:00PM at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 14275 Black Bob Road in Olathe, with visitation at 1:00pm. Burial will follow in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Stanley,KS. Memorials are suggested to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. To leave a message for the family on-line, please visitwww.PenwellGabelOlathe.comDave was so many things to so many people, he will truly be missed.
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- A 65-year-old Olathe man is being remembered for his love of life and classic cars after his death on September 1 after a crash in a car he was restoring.
David Lee Summers was driving his restored 1949 Mercury when he and the driver of a 2012 Chrysler collided at 159th and Lowell in Overland Park. The driver and two passengers in the Chrysler were not injured.
Because Summers hadn't yet installed the seat belts, he was ejected from the vehicle upon impact. Overland Park police say the car wreck is still under investigation.
Summers' father-in-law, Raymond Wickey, said Summers was always conscious of safety and planned to install seat belts as he worked on the car's interior.
"The reason the seat belts were not in is because he had not finish the car yet. In fact, he just got done with putting the insulation on the floor," said Wickey. "He just wanted to get it out and take it for a little drive and he said, 'I'll be right back,' told his wife, 'I'll be right back.'"
David Dillbeck says Summers was a colleague and friend for 32 years and he will miss his friendship and his advice.
"We worked in different departments but we talked quite frequently. I would go and see him at the office. Dave was the most friendliest guy you would ever want to meet. He had a big heart and would do anything for anybody," says Dillbeck.
Summers' family says they are in the process of planning his funeral and they hope as the hearse carries Summers to the cemetery, that it will be followed by a classic car funeral procession.
Helen Schwartz (Salvay)
I moved to Cherry Street during my 5th grade year and David lived across the street. He was very nice and friendly which really helped me feel comfortable in my new neighborhood and at Hartman Elementary School. He will live on in my memory.
Richard Laudon
Many great memories of David from Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He and his Dad were always car enthusiasts.
Andrew Anderson
Went thru Central Mo State with Dave-Sigma Pi-Known in the Frat as Racer Brown-Always safe but if the road was clear he had his foot in the petal