Partly Cloudy, 35° F
(Dec. 25, 1955 - Nov. 17, 2016)
Jerry Dean Summers, aka “Griz,” died Nov. 17, 2016, of congestive heart failure/respiratory distress. He was 60.
He was born Dec. 25, 1955, in California.
He was a son, brother, father, grandfather and friend to so many, who will miss his political debates, jokes and quips.
Jerry was gregarious and had lifelong friends. He had a great love of critters, hunting, camping, fishing — or drowning worms as he said. He also loved music and read many books. His wit was so quick, with self-deprecating snarky humor. Jerry had a very distinctive sense of humor. He was well-liked and respected, and he also had tremendous compassion for others.
He ended up in Cody as a youth and graduated with the Class of 1974. He enjoyed being a thespian, playing lead roles in musicals and singing choir. He joined the Army after graduation and was a tank driver in Germany on border patrol, where he received recognition with the 1st Battalion 7th Cavalry and was decorated for sharpshooting. He spent time in the oilfields and associated businesses. Jerry also worked many years of car salesman, schmoozing with everyone, which he loved. His favorite job was running the trout farm, and lately, driving the senior bus in Powell, where he got to be around little ol’ ladies, whom he loved.
He belonged to the Elks. He taught his son everything a young person needs to know to live in Wyoming — how to hunt and fish, a love of sports and outdoors, and how to be respectful.
He was preceded in death by his father Robert and mother Nora.
Jerry is survived by his son, Matthew; grandsons Carson and Peyson; brother Jim (Julia); sister Shelley (John); sister Sandra (Delmar); nephews JD, Clint, Roger, Robert and Rodney; nieces Saige, Skye and Savanna; great-nephew Henry.
There will be a celebration of Jerry’s life at the American Legion on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 1 p.m. with full military Honor Guard and 21-gun salute at the Powell Cemetery. His ashes will be co-mingled with those of his beloved animals and scattered in a favorite mountainous area.
Jerry was a good man and a good friend and will be sorely missed.
