Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Kokomo Chapel in Kokomo for John Buford Summers, 93, of Columbia, who passed away Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at Simpson General Hospital in Mendenhall. Interment was at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columb officiated the services. Visitation was held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Hathorn Funeral Home, and from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Kokomo Chapel.
John was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy. A dedicated patriot, John bravely served his country for four years during the Korean Conflict as a radar man aboard the USS Bairoko, a destroyer battleship. Following his honorable military service, he embarked on a successful career with Cal-Main Foods, rising to the position of vice president. Upon retirement, John pursued his entrepreneurial spirit, establishing a small engine business in Magee and a salvage yard in Braxton. Deeply committed to his fellow veterans, he was instrumental in the creation of the Veterans Monument in Columbia and was a lifetime member of the American Legion Simpson County Chapter. John was also known for his generosity and support of local ministries, including the First United Methodist Church in Foxworth and the Kokomo Chapel. He cherished the camaraderie of his time in the Navy, regularly organizing and attending reunions with his shipmates from the USS Bairoko, and found enjoyment on the golf course.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Robertson Summers; his daughter, Deborah Templeton; and his parents, Herbert and Georgia Stewart Summers.
He is survived by his wife, Nell Lawless Summers of Columbia; his son, Mike Summers (Pam) of Brandon; his two daughters, Kim Teasley (Mike) of Braxton and Ramona Seibert (Bob) of Byram; one brother, Clinton Summers of Florence; two sisters, Betty Walley of Kokomo and Sarah Allen of Brandon; four grandchildren, Nicole Patterson (Shey), Blake Nelson (Courtney), John Templeton, Leigh Ann Bradshaw (Justin); and six great-grandchildren, Ava Katherine Patterson, Sarah Grace Patterson, Grey Patterson, Maely Nelson, Spence Bradshaw and Cruz Bradshaw.
Pallbearers were Blake Nelson, Shey Patterson, Mike Teasley, Chad Walley, Mike Summers, and William Walley.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Kokomo Chapel at 126 Kokomo Rd., Kokomo, MS 39643.
Hathorn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign an online guest register book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com.
