Mr. Lewis N. Summers

Graveside services for Mr. Lewis N. Summers, 90, of New London, will be held at 5:00 PM on Friday, April 12, 2024, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery with Rev. Mary Smith officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM on Thursday, April 11, at the funeral home. Lewis Neel Summers, was born on February 13, 1934 to JW (Rabbit) and Jess Lewis Summers and passed from this life on April 10, 2024 at his residence. Born in Livingston, Tx, Lewis graduated from Gaston High School in 1951 and went on to play basketball for Kilgore College. He joined the US Army in 1952 and spent the Korean War working with radar in Philadelphia, PA. Upon his honorable discharge, he attended Stephen F. Austin State University where he played football for the Lumberjacks. He met and married Patsy Williams in 1959. After graduation, Lewis and Patsy moved to Amarillo, TX where he coached junior high athletics under legendary Coach Bum Phillips. In 1969, he moved his family including his two boys, Mike and George, to Denison, Tx where he coached junior high athletics. In 1971, Lewis moved his family home to West Rusk ISD and coached at West Rusk Junior High on the Gaston campus until he retired in 1992. His 31-year coaching career included many championships in football, basketball and track. Lewis was a great mentor to young men. Lewis was a Christian and lived his life accordingly. He was a member of New London Methodist Church where he served in numerous roles. Lewis was a true gentleman with a kind heart and a quick wit. He loved to laugh. Lewis was also an avid trophy deer hunter. He won several competitions with the Texas Trophy Hunters Association and was an active member. He was also a fisherman who often cooked his fish for others to enjoy. He and Patsy traveled extensively over the United States. Lewis and Patsy’s oldest son, Mike, was killed in a car accident in 1980. The family established a scholarship in his memory at Stephen F. Austin State University. Many West Rusk students have benefited from this scholarship over the years. In 2014, his youngest son, George died suddenly. Through these tragedies, Lewis continued to help others. Lewis is survived by his brother, Charles and wife Patsy of Lantana, TX; his sister-in-law Janis Williams Underwood of Kilgore; brother and sister-in-law, Jim Bob and Janice Williams of Longview. Nephews and Nieces: Dr. Joel Underwood (Meghan) of Bozeman Montana; Johna Underwood (Paul) Tritt of Kilgore; Kelly Williams (JaNel) of New London; Matt Summers (Suzanne) of Lantana; Shannon Summers (Steve) Llewellyn of Lantana; Cindy (Jack) Venable of Kilgore; Stacy (Mark) Dixon of Plano, and numerous great nephews and nieces. Lewis was preceded in death by his sons, John Michael Summers and George Wyatt Summers; wife Patsy Summers; and brother and sister-in-law Joe and Marilyn Summers, and brother-in-law John Underwood. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Mr. Lewis N. Summers

February 13, 1934 - April 10, 2024