William E “Bill” Summers

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William E “Bill” Summers passed away peacefully on May 16, 2023, at The Village at Oakridge in Washington, IN.

Bill was born March 26, 1936, in Washington IN to William & Mary (Alford) Summers. He married Beverly Kay Brown on July 7, 1962, and she survives.

Bill was a 1955 graduate of Washington High School where he was involved in sports and served as senior class President. He attended Indiana University graduating in 1959 with a degree in Business Administration. While in college he served in the ROTC and was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate. This led to him accepting a commission in the US Army. He faithfully served his country for 3 years as an Air Defense Artillery Officer and resigned with the rank of Captain. After his military service, Bill began a 35-year banking career in 1962 at Central Trust Bank in Cincinnati. In 1969, Flavain and Jay Myers recruited Bill to return home to Washington and he joined Citizens Bank & Trust. During his time at the bank he was instrumental in the merger between Citizens Bank & Trust and Washington National Bank to form United Southwest Bank, the merger of Martin County Bank with United Southwest Bank, and the eventual merger of United Southwest Bank into Old National Bank. Bill retired in 1997 as a Senior Vice President.

Bill believed in community service, volunteer involvement, and service to local government. Bill had a special passion for the Daviess County Family YMCA. He began as a member of the YMCA when he was 16-years old and then joined the Board of Directors in 1970, where he served continuously for 52 years until his passing. While on the Board, Bill served a term as President and as Treasurer for the past 34 years. During his tenure he was instrumental in the development of the local YMCA from a simple gymnasium and house into the full fitness facility it is today. Bill headed the capital campaigns that funded the construction of the swimming pool and locker rooms in 1976, the addition of the Wellness Center, aerobic rooms, and childcare areas in 1983. Also, he was in charge of renovations in 2015 that added a handicapped changing room, and the remodeling of both the men’s and women’s locker rooms. He also served the community in multiple ways. He served two terms as President of the school board, he was President of the Planning Commission, board member of the Zoning Appeals Board, and a member of the Washington Housing Authority. He also served as a board member and officer of multiple charitable and service organizations including Kiwanis, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society, Friends of Kids, and the Community Foundation Alliance. He taught Business classes at Vincennes University for a number of years. He was a member of the local Elks and American Legion.
Bill was recognized by many organizations for his significant contributions to the local community having received the Jaycees Young Man of the Year Award, the Chamber of Commerce Tom Hagle Award, and Art Boddy Award, the YMCA Henry Gwaltney Service Award, and Edward Jones Volunteer Award.

Bill was proceeded in death by his parents; and his brother Phillip Max Summers. Bill is survived by his wife Beverly whom he met on a blind date on July 4, 1961, and married July 7, 1962; daughter, Cindy Summers Mason (Jeff); son, William E “Wes” Summers II; grandchildren, Bradley Mason, Hannah Mason, and Stephen Mason; Sister-in-law, Pat Summers; and multiple nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 19, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Christ United Methodist Church. Funeral services to follow at 10:30 AM. Burial will be at Sugarland Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, it was Bill’s wish to have all memorial contributions be made to Our Community Foundation to the William and Beverly Summers YMCA Endowment Fund. Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of William.

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