Donald E "Don" Summers

– Donald Elden Summers, 81, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017.

He was born Feb. 1, 1936 to Clifford Wayne and Isabelle Overstreet Summers. He attended Antelope Valley High School in Lancaster, California. In high school his passions were photography and the marching band. In 1954, he had the privilege of playing his beloved saxophone in the Rose Bowl Parade. His favorite New Year's Day tradition was watching the parade on TV.

After high school he joined the U.S. Air Force where he served four years as an airplane mechanic. While serving in the Air Force he discovered his lifelong passion for airplanes. He could name every one of them, no matter how high it was flying.

On Nov. 2, 1956 he married Meredith McPherson in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They are the parents of Donna Jean, Lynne Marie, LeAnn, Becky, Debby and Barbara. They were married 31 years until Meredith's passing in February 1990. One year later on April 13, 1991, he married Carol Springer Marbut also in the Idaho Falls Temple.

In Don's early years in Missoula he worked for Vann's Appliance as a repair man. He could fix almost anything. In 1967 he started working for the cable co. and retired after 38 years of service in July of 1998. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings over the years, but became well known for his audio visual skills. For many years he made sure that everyone had access to all devotionals, firesides and General Conferences. He was always there to help and make sure it was done the right way.

He will always be known for his great sense of humor. Even up to the very end he was able joke around and laugh with the nurses. He was a man who loved life and he loved people. He never met a stranger and person he couldn't talk too. He was a hardworking, devoted husband and father. He will be missed by us all.

Don was preceded in death by his wife (Meredith), his oldest daughter (Donna Jean), his twin brothers (Richard and Ronald) and two sisters (Kathleen and Dorothy).

He is survived by his wife Carol, his daughters; Lynne Marie Kelly of Missoula, LeAnn Arnett (Doug) of Blue Springs, Missouri, Becky Murdock (Max) of Frenchtown, Debby Bingham (Richard) of Hayden, Idaho, Barbara Neilson (Matt) of Salt Lake City, Utah, stepdaughter Wendy Biggs of Missoula, stepson Lance Marbut (Ramme) of Denver, Colorado, 21 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017 at 10 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3201 Bancroft St. with viewing starting at 9 a.m. Condolences can be left for the family at gardencityfh.com.