Philip Brian Summer

     Philip Brian Summer, age 80, passed away on April 15, 2023.  He was born June 24, 1942 to Milo and Cleva Summer. He graduated from St. John’s High School in 1960. He attended Hesston College in Kansas, where he met his wife, Lois Miller and they married in 1963. They moved to their farm near the Summer home place, where they raised cattle, horses and crops in addition to dairying with his father. He then worked at Michigan State University’s Poultry and Beef Research Departments, where he was awarded the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award in 2000. Phil enjoyed his horses and cattle, and was known as a true herdsman. He could fix and build almost anything and had an artistic streak that was expressed in various woodworking projects. Phil was always ready for laugh and thoroughly enjoyed spending time outside with his animals and his grandkids.

     Phil is loved and missed by his wife, Lois; his children: Doug (Doreen), Cheryl, and Becky (George); five grandchildren: Michelle, Brandon, Philip, Ellie, and Cameron and 2 great-grandchildren: Lani and Kylie; and siblings: George (Mary) Summer, Karen (Gerald) Short, Sharon (Jerry) Wall, and Mary (Tim) Kaufman; and sister-in-law Shirley Summers. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milo and Cleva, and his older brother, David.

     The family will have a private burial at Collier Cemetery in Gratiot County, MI.  A memorial service and luncheon will be held at Grove Bible Church, 6990 East Price Road, St. Johns, MI 48879, on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 11:30 A.M., with Pastor Brendan Holmquist officiating.

     In lieu of flowers, donations in Phil’s memory may be made to Grove Bible Church’s Missions Fund. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.