Carl W. Summers, Jr. (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Carl W. Summers, Jr. passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on July 12, 2026 after an unexpected medical event. He was born to the late Carl W., Sr. and Julia Vivenzio Summers on September 23, 1948 in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was married to his beloved wife Jo Ann on July 2, 1999 in Bolivar, Missouri. They shared 27 joy-filled years together. Carl was a devoted husband, avid dog lover and a loyal, generous friend to many.Carl spent his childhood growing up in New York and several towns in Missouri due to his father’s employment. His teen years were spent in Morrisville, Missouri where he graduated from Morrisville High School in 1966. Growing up, he was nicknamed Butch by family and close friends which carried over into adulthood by many.Carl received Jesus as his personal Savior as an adult in 2011. He had been attending church with Jo Ann and through her testimony and the many prayers of others, he chose to accept Jesus. Surrendering to Jesus was life changing. Carl grew to become a mature Christian and a faithful prayer warrior. He enjoyed being involved in an early morning prayer group at church. Carl was a humble man with a heart for service. When he saw a need, he wanted to help. He was always ready to share his talents and resources to help people and organizations in need.Carl was self-employed, owning three businesses in his 50+ year career. He was a hard worker relentlessly honing his craft. In the early years, he did metal repair work for whatever was brought in. Later, he began designing parts for machinery when the part needed was nonexistent. He was gifted mechanically with an ability to figure out how to create metal parts needed. Carl was an innovative master craftsman. His handiwork is all over Bolivar in metal work visible in signs, railings and entryways. Carl’s latest project was the newest monument on the Bolivar square honoring Vietnam, Korean and WWII veterans.In his free time, Carl was an avid gardener. He wanted to make his yard an oasis for Jo Ann and guests to enjoy. Jo Ann had the vision and Carl executed it. Together they enjoyed drinking coffee and doing Bible study on their backyard patio. He also enjoyed watching old movies with his fur kids by his side. He enjoyed hosting seasonal parties and events with Jo Ann. Over the years, Carl donated his time serving on several community boards such as the Polk County Humane Society, House of Hope and Plum Grove Cemetery. He had been involved in fundraising for Alpha House, Polk County Christian School, John Playter Rotary Park and Bolivar Vineyard Park. Carl was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, a loving husband, a loyal friend and generous neighbor. He will be greatly missed on earth but we rejoice in knowing he has been welcomed by the Lord in Heaven.Carl is survived by his cherished wife Jo Ann; three fur kids (Millie, Bailey, Jesse Stone); daughters, Christina (David) Winter and Michele (Shane) Gatewood; five grandchildren; sisters, Judy (Dan) Rothermel and Brenda (David) Coday; brother, Michael (Fong) Summers and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends.Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Carl W. Summers, Sr. and Julia Vivenzio; stepbrother, Alan Schaffter; sister, Kathy Summers and sister, Carolyn Hamilton.Services will be held at Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. followed by the celebration of life at 11:00. Carl’s final resting place will be at Plum Grove Cemetery near Fair Play. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to New Hope Church in Carl’s name. New Hope Church of Bolivar, 3875 Hwy D, Bolivar, Mo 65613.
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