Carl Richards Summers

Captain Carl R. Summers

 March 23, 1936-July 30,2026

Captain Carl R. Summers (USN, ret) died peacefully at age 90 on July 30, 2026 in Fleming Island, FL. He was surrounded by a loving circle of family and friends. He lived and loved life fully.

Carl was awarded an NROTC scholarship to the University of Colorado, Boulder.  He was active in band and Phi Kappa Tau fraternity.  He graduated in 1954 with a BS in Aeronautical Engineering. While at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, he was awarded a master’s degree in 1965 in Aerospace Engineering.  He earned his second master’s degree (with Honors) in Systems Engineering in 1974 from Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

Prior to starting flight school in 1954, he visited his hometown of Aberdeen, South Dakota. There, he caught the eye and won the heart of Mary Coyne.  They married on August 19, 1960 in Pensacola, FL.  Tethered by love, loyalty, and Dakota roots, this marriage marked the beginning of 66 years of romance that took them all around the world. 

During his distinguished Naval career, Captain Summers accumulated more than 3000 flying hours in demanding operational conditions. He was a skilled leader in Patrol Squadrons Four and Thirty-One and served as a key leader for the Operational Test and Evaluation Force in Key West, FL. Additionally, he provided executive leadership as Production Manager at the Naval Air Rework Facility in Jacksonville, Fla. While Director of the Propulsion and Power Divison in Washington, D.C., Captain Summers spearheaded project management for the A-7 Corsair Light Attack Jet.  Additionally, he championed the introduction of flight recorders and low altitude detection systems in order to safeguard aviator life. These safety improvments are now used worldwide in both military and commercial aircraft.

Captain Summers was decorated for his exceptional service with the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and numerous other honors throughout his twenty-six years of distinguished service. He retired in October 1982.

Following retirement from the Navy, Carl was employed by KAMAN Aerospace.  As Director, he opened the Jacksonville branch from an empty hangar with two stools into a thriving operation, employing almost 500 skilled workers.  Soon he was promoted to Vice-President of KAMAN Jacksonville. Through his leadership, he supplied mission-critical components and complex aerostructures, including the Boeing 767, to the Department of Defense and commercial customers, globally. He retired in June 2001.

Carl was a playful, avid gamesman who enjoyed golfing, fishing, swimming, birdwatching, playing bridge, petit point, geneology, and watching Jeopardy (where he knew most of the answers). He was a generous man of exceptional character. Carl demonstrated strength, courage, integrity, and honor.  He will be remembered as a loyal husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, brother’s keeper, and faithful friend.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years Mary Summers; their three children: Bob of Orange Park, FL, Kathryn (Paul) of Coronado, CA, Jacquelyn of Coronado, CA; two beloved granddaughters: Jasmine of Corvalis, Oregon and Jade of Coronado, CA; nephew Brad Liljequist of Seattle, WA, and Godson Mike Strand of San Diego, CA. He is predeceased by his parents Dale and Margaret Summers, brother Daryl Summers, and his sisters Madeline and Sherrie Summers. 

The Summers Family warmly thank our circle of friends, especially Gwen and Joe Gilmore and Bob and Dee Elich, for being at our side.  We also express our gratitude to Dr. Arpitha Ketty of Mayo Clinic, and the dedicated professionals at Pruitt Health of Fleming Island, FL for their clinical excellence and compassion. Memorial donations may be made in honor of Carl Summers to “Pruitt Health Fleming Island”, 2040 Town Center Blvd, Fleming Island, FL 32003.

Captain Carl R. Summers will be laid to rest with military honors at Jacksonville National Cemetery at 1 p.m. Wednesday August 19, 2026. This date marks the 66th wedding anniversary to wife and soulmate, Mary. Pastor Slayden MacGregor will be the officiant.

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