Gerald Eugene Summerlin, or “Paw Paw” to his adoring family, was born on December 4th, 1931 in Yellow Hammer, OK, the son of George Washington and Rubie (Dean) Summerlin. He was raised with three brothers and two sisters, Harold, Donald, Frela, Sheila, and Roy. The family later settled in the Hulbert community at the Summerlin Family Farm. He served his country faithfully, supplying the Air Force with the materials that kept them running during the Korea and Vietnam wars. He retired after twenty-two years of faithful service in the USAF. In 1972, his heart was whisked away by a lovely young Hawaiian woman, Bernadine Momilani Onaga, or his sweet “Bernie” or “Ma”. Together for the next 48 years, they shared a life full of love, laughter, and many happy memories. They raised four sons and one daughter, Keith, Donna Michelle, Chuck, Allen, and George. Paw Paw loved to go hunting and feed the multitudes with bumper crops from his gardens. He loved to give everyone he met one of his custom walking sticks whittled from the roots of trees cut from the Summerlin farm. He was the friend, and neighbor everyone loved to see coming. Paw Paw had a signature smile and chuckle always greeting everyone with “Osiyo”. He was proud of his Cherokee Heritage and ever fond of music especially Bluegrass. He was often in the company of his favorite canine companion and loyal sidekick, Judy. He couldn’t wait for the holidays or dinners where he got to spend time with the family he adored. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren always made his smile come to life. He was faithful, loved his family, and hard working. Ma took great care of him all these years, especially the last 16 years while he battled with Alzheimer’s. Gerald passed from this life on Sunday, March 28th, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was 89 years old. Gerald is preceded in death by his grandparents, and his mother and father.
Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Bernie Summerlin of the home in Hulbert, OK, his children, Keith Summerlin and wife Kay, Donna Michelle Melchert and husband Mike, Chuck Summerlin and wife Diane and Allen Summerlin and wife Natalie and George Summerlin and wife Susan. He lives on in his thirteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends and loved ones far too numerous to mention. Rest in Peace Dad, Paw Paw, Pa, and Old Man. We love you and miss you until we’re all together again. In lieu of flowers, please hug a person with Alzheimer’s.
The family will host a Celebration of the Life of Gerald Summerlin on Friday, April 16th, 2021, at 1:00 PM on the family farm. Online condolences for his family may be left at www.reedculver.com.