Thomas Michael “Mike” Summers, 79, of Loogootee, Ind., passed away peacefully on Monday, April 27, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on July 23, 1946, in Washington, Ind., to the late Francis “Bud” and Grace (Grindstaff) Summers. He married the love of his life, Marilyn “Kay” Toy, on August 21, 1971, starting their 54 years of blessed marriage.
His love for her was one for the ages. Whether it was their favorite getaway to Opryland Hotel in Nashville, a quiet nightly drive just to wind down, or Kay ever so graciously including him in all of her volunteer endeavors, no matter what, his favorite place to be was by her side.
For more than 35 years, he was the proud business owner of their NAPA store M&K Automotive in Bicknell, Ind. Even after his retirement in July 2012, he still kept in touch with many customers and reminisced of his years within the Bicknell community.
Mike and Kay were the loving parents of 5 children, 14 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way. Their house became affectionally known as “Grand Central Station,” because of the revolving door of family and friends. While he was a proud Vietnam Air Force Veteran and small-town community businessman, his greatest pride and accomplishment was his family. Watching countless sporting events, celebrating birthday parties, going to school activities, and hosting family get togethers, his family was his top priority.
Being a faithful, devout Catholic, he was a lifelong member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Loogootee where he was part of the offering counting team. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and American Legion. Among other hobbies, he enjoyed playing cards with friends and the occasional trip to the casino.
After his 2012 diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, he committed to doing all he could to delay the progression. He enjoyed taking walks around town and attending Rock Steady Boxing at Salience NeuroRehab.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis “Bud” and Grace (Grindstaff) Summers; brother, Anthony “Tony” Summers; mother-and father-in-law Robert and Virginia (Williams) Toy; sisters-in-law, Penelope Toy and Roberta (Toy) Williams; brother-in-law, Gary Williams; and nephew, Gilbert Toy.
Mike will be lovingly remembered by his wife Marilyn “Kay” (Toy) Summers; his children, Krista (Mark) Sims, Karla (Jeff) Eckerle, Kelli Wilson, Kirk (fiancé, Jill Colvin) Summers, and Kent (Emilee) Summers; his grandchildren, Brittany (Bryant) Ackerman, Kylie (Austin) Campbell, Brandon Eckerle, Katie (Brett) Robinson, Bryant (Kalea) Eckerle, Trysten Stevens, Brianna Eckerle, Kamila Wilson, Karmen Wilson, Ashton Summers, Kendall Wilson, Aden Summers, Kamden Wilson, and Phoebe Summers; his great-grandchildren, Scarlett and Wyatt Campbell, James, Parker, and Brooks Ackerman, and two more on the way; brothers and sister-in-law, Tim (Donna) Summers, and Patrick Summers; brothers-and sisters-in-law, Mike (Carol) Toy, Danny (Deena) Toy, Bill (Gina) Toy, and Bob (RuthAnn) Toy; and numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren who brought joy to his life.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Very Rev. J. Kenneth Walker at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Loogootee, Ind., with burial to follow at St. John Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the church and again from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026 before the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church or Martin County Community Foundation.
Condolences may be made online at www.blakefuneralhomes.com
Blake Funeral Home in Loogootee, Ind., is honored to serve the family of Mike Summers.
