By By Dr. Bill Stewart
The late Ed Summers probably generated more news because of extraordinary service to his community, state, and nation than any other man in Hartselle’s history of almost 140 years. The following is only a small sampling of articles found in previous years’ pages of this newspaper.
March 23, 1922-A nine-pound boy was born today to Mr. and Mrs. Ed Summers. He has been named Edward.
April 4, 1935-Edward Summers has been designated an honor student at the city school.
April 21, 1938-His fellow-students have named Edward Summers as the most handsome boy at MCHS.
Feb. 20, 1940-Twenty-five MCHS students went by chartered bus to Birmingham today to see “Gone with the Wind.” The trip was planned and arranged by Edward Summers, president of the senior class.
July 2, 1940-Edward Summers is now posted at the aircraft tech school at Rantoul, Ill.
June 1, 1942-Bevelye Wray Barclift and Edward Summers are planning to be married soon.
Sept. 24, 1944-Sgt. Edward Summers is currently with the U.S. Air Force at San Antonio, Texas, after spending a furlough here with his parents and in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Summers and Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Barclift. Mrs. Summers returned with her husband to Texas.
Jan. 1, 1945-Edward Summers is currently serving with great distinction as a navigator on a B-24 Liberator bomber.
March 28, 1946-The Hollywood Drive-in and Restaurant, owned and operated by Edward W. Summers, opened for business today.
March 13, 1947-The month of March being membership month, the American Legion post has set a goal of 500, going up 200 from the present total of 300. With Ed Summers as post commander, there is little doubt that this goal will be reached.
March 15, 1951-Ed Summers is now employed by the U.S. Army Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal. His specialization is quality control. He will also travel to Washington frequently to secure essential appropriations for missile program development at Redstone.
August 15, 1952-Ed Summers has been awarded the bachelors degree in business administration by Athens College.
Aug.11, 1956-Edward Summers, Air Force reservist, went to Stewart Air Force Base at Smyrna, Tenn., for a two-week term of active duty.
June 18, 1956-Edward Summers was installed tonight as the new president of the Hartselle Civitan Club.
March 5, 1959-Edward Summers is the head of the newly formed civil and defense mobilization unit for Hartselle. This group will help local residents both prepare for and respond to a possible enemy attack as well as natural disasters.
May 27, 2008-Hartselle’s much beloved Ed Summers passed away today at Sunbridge Health and Rehab in Tuscumbia.
May 30, 2008-Funeral services for Ed Summers, 86, were held this afternoon at Peck’s. The Revs. Robert Sparkman and Harold Thompson officiated.