Carl B. Summer, 88, of Bethany, Oklahoma, passed away 18 October 2024. He was a retired district superintendent and minister, serving in Oklahoma for over 50 years.

Carl Bernard Summer was born in Freer, Texas, to James Hall and Mary Virginia (McAllister) Summer on 15 October 1936.

Carl graduated from Freer High School, having served as the student body president and a football team member. 

He earned a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary, a master’s degree in religion, and a bachelor’s degree in theology from Bethany Nazarene College (now Southern Nazarene University). 

He pastored Oklahoma City Central Church of the Nazarene (1959-1962), Lawton First Church of the Nazarene (1962-1966), and Bethany Calvary Church of the Nazarene (1966-1985), all in Oklahoma. He also pastored Santa Cruz Church of the Nazarene in Trinidad and Tobago (2009-2010). 

Carl was elected superintendent of the Southwest Oklahoma District in September 1985. 

In addition, Carl taught as an adjunct professor at Point Loma Nazarene University, Trevecca Nazarene College (now University), and Caribbean Nazarene College. He was instrumental in organizing the Love Links Compassionate Ministry, Reaching Our City, setting up the Oklahoma University Student Center, and purchasing land for the Salyer Lake Camp and Conference Center.

Carl’s life goals, in his own words, were “How to help people fall in love with God, stay in love with God, and walk in God’s love toward others. First and foremost, what it means to live in the daily, dynamic covenant with Jesus as the continuing, compelling, captivating first love of our hearts and lives!” 

As he would say, “That’ll preach.”

Carl loved God, his wife, Barbara, his second wife, Judy, and his family. He loved all people and loved the church with his whole heart. He served his entire adult life with a passionate drive for all people to know Jesus' love for them and that they would have a personal relationship with our loving heavenly Father.

Carl is survived by his wife, Judy Summer; two daughters, Cheryl Rains and Renae Fowler; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and his sister, Margaret Clinton. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Summer, his parents, James and Mary Summer, his brother, James Summer, Jr, and his sister, Mary Lee Edmiston.

A funeral service was held on 22 October 2024 at The Fellowship at Western Oaks in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.