Bill Dean Summers was born February 1, 1936 in Cascade, Idaho, second of four children to Ben & Nora Summers. Bill lived in Old Meadows and then settled in Council, Idaho where he spent his life. He attended Council High School and was a graduate with the class of 1953.
Bill joined the U.S. Army after high school and spent a two year tour in Germany as a HAM radio operator. He later enrolled at Boise Jr. College and obtained a degree in carpentry, and then Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho for a small business degree.
Bill worked for the forest service, logging and staying at Smith Mountain Lookout during fire season. He later worked road construction for McGregor Triangle. In 1961, Bill opened his own business, Quality Auto on the corner of Highway 95 in Council.
On October 14, 1962, Bill married the love of his life, Sally Ann Craig. Together they built a life, along with their business of 40 years dealing in snowmobiles, ATV's, chainsaws, parts and service. Two daughters, Julie and Marnie were born.
Bill had a passion for the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He spent many years fishing throughout the northwest. He loved snowmobiling and spent years on the local racing circuit. Bill was a long-time member of X Club in Council and also a lifetime NRA member.
His love for country music brought hours of entertainment for family and friends while he played his guitar and sang. In his later years, Bill carried his guitar everywhere he went so he could sing a song. In his younger years, Bill had his own country western band, "The Drifters" and also met his wife while playing at an Indian Valley dance.
Bill had a love for aviation and fulfilled one of his life-long dreams of becoming a pilot. He bought his own plane and enjoyed his flying hobby for 30 years. In Bill's retirement years, he spent time golfing and fishing with family and his many friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, Ben Summers; his mother, Nora Edith Haney Summers, and one grandson, Devin Daniels. He is survived by his wife, Sally Ann Summers, daughters Julie Summers Prather (Jesse), Marnie Summers; sister Lois Linder; brothers Joe Summers (Linda), Ben Summers (Karen); brother-in-law U.S. Senator Larry E. Craig, retired (Suzanne); his grandsons Aaron Dane Bennett, Matthew Vraspir, Cody Hardin, John Vraspir; one great-granddaughter, Olivia Lynn Daniels, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Condolences may be made to Bill's family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contribution be made to Council Ambulance Service or Indian Valley Fire Dept. c/o Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, ID 83661
s under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette, ID.
Service Details.
Service
When:
Saturday, September 6th, 2014
Location:
Funeral Home
Address: