Obituaries, July 24, 2025

Written on 07/24/2025


William Isaac Summers, Jeffrey Wayne McKee

William Isaac Summers

William Isaac Summers, known affectionately as Bill to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, in his hometown of Kokomo, Indiana. Born on March 27, 1943, to Marion and Nellie (Gillem) Summers, Bill's life was marked by his intelligence, creativity, and friendly nature.

Bill graduated from Western High School in 1961 and went on to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. His professional life was as varied as it was distinguished. He dedicated 30 years of his career to General Motors as a skilled tinsmith before retiring. Not one to rest on his laurels, Bill then channeled his entrepreneurial spirit into starting his own business. His love for the open road led him to work as a semi driver for a decade, where he was known for his dedication and work ethic.

Bill's interests were as expansive as his career. In his younger years he enjoyed fishing, photography, and archery. He also played the cornet and shared his love for music with those around him. His passion for flight was evident in his role as a flight instructor and pilot. Bill's intellectual curiosity drove him to study languages and beekeeping, and he was a ham radio operator. He even crafted his own telescope mirrors. He had talent for creating and understanding intricate details.

Bill's companions, his beloved dogs Smoky and Mikey, were a source of joy and comfort throughout his life. As he faced mobility challenges later in life, he discovered a new passion in flint knapping, demonstrating that his zest for learning and trying new things never waned.

His strong faith was a cornerstone of his life, providing him with hope and comfort in the belief of an eternal life in paradise on earth.

Bill's legacy is carried on by his loving wife of 63 years Connie (Johnson) Summers, whom he married on July 8, 1962, in Kokomo. He was a devoted father to his daughter April Summers and son Nicholas Summers. His brothers Robert Summers and John Summers, along with many nieces and nephews, will fondly remember his guidance and friendship. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Marion and Nellie and his nephew Brent Summers.

William Isaac Summers lived a life full of love, adventure, and service. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him, and his impact will continue to be felt by the many lives he touched.

Visitation for Bill will take place Sat., Aug. 2, from 1-2 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 2317 Zartman Road, Kokomo. A memorial service will follow at the hall, beginning at 2 p.m.

City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com



Jeffrey Wayne McKee

Jeffrey Wayne McKee, 53, of Kokomo, formerly of Walton, passed away unexpectedly Friday, July 18, 2025, at his home in Kokomo. He was born December 6, 1971, in Kokomo to Larry and Joset “Jody” (Chism) McKee. He graduated from Christian Heritage Christian School in 1990 and had attended Lewis Cass Schools in Walton. Jeff worked alongside his parents and sisters in the family pizza business “Kings Pizza” in Walton for many years. Jeff was also a volunteer EMT and enjoyed helping people.

Jeff was a lover of music, especially gospel music. He could play almost any instrument he picked up but especially loved playing his piano. In addition, he very much enjoyed cooking, planting flowers, visiting with family & friends, and going to yard sales. He is survived by his two sisters Tarei St. Clair of Kokomo and Stacy (Ryan) Engel of Peru, and his stepfather Dennis Rush of Logansport. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews Braxtyn (Austin) Kaylor, Nixon Engel, Benjamin Engel, Brady St. Clair, Madelyn St. Clair, his aunt Jackie Chism-Quinn of Montana, and uncles Jay Chism of Montana and Thomas McKee of Kokomo. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and a special aunt and uncle, Lena "Tootie" and Rex Johnson, whom he considered his second parents.

A memorial visitation will be held Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston. Jeff’s family would like to open the floor for friends and relatives to share a memory or a story about Jeff around the 3 o’clock hour. Murray Weaver Funeral Home is honored to serve the McKee family. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com