Dr. Bradford Summers

Dr. Bradford Stanton Summers, 47, of Mason, Ohio passed away of heart failure on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at home.   He was born on October 24, 1968 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Frederick and Barbara (Herrin) Summers.  Brad earned his Ph.D. in Counseling from Liberty University, a M.A. in Theology from Wheaton College, and a B.S. in Religion (Pastoral Ministries) from Liberty University.  He was a 1987 graduate of Middletown (OH) Christian School.

Brad was ordained as a Baptist Minister and pastored several churches during the 15 years he spent as a full-time professional minister.  His desires for higher learning, helping others to heal and to seek a higher meaning in life led him to become a Psychotherapist.  He extensively studied and was an advocate for the special emotional needs of gifted children, adults and their families.  He touched many lives through prayer and counseling and was a source of comfort in times of sorrow and grief.  He was a spiritual advisor to many including his sister Paula.

Brad loved music and golf.  He could hit a golf ball long and straight and even had flashes of brilliance around the greens.  He was an accomplished pianist whose raw talent and dedication to his art enabled him to compose music as well as play multiple instruments at advanced levels.  He imparted his musical talents to his four children.  He was a lifelong Beatles fan who was just as comfortable playing piano for a church service as he was jamming on the keyboards in a garage with friends or during a public gig with the many bands he played in throughout his life.

Brad had a witty sense of humor, charisma and charm.  He made those that didn’t feel like they fit in feel welcome.  Brad was a fantastic communicator who always had a twinkle in his eye, great smile, and could make even the most serious and reserved personality in the room tilt their head back and laugh out loud from his hilarious antics and stories.

Brad loved his family deeply and enjoyed many good times with them towards the end of his life.  Brad is survived by his four children; Jordan, Bethany, Brooke and Jonathan Summers, his former spouse; Tecla Summers, his parents; Frederick and Barbara (Herrin) Summers, his siblings; William (Aura Lee) Summers and Paula (Patrick) Summers Murphy, his niece; Chelsea Summers, and his nephew; Colin Murphy.  Brad was preceded in death by his grandparents Larry and Robbie Summers and Paul and Edith Herrin.  Brad is missed deeply by several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The family would like to publicly thank Gwen Havert, his partner, for the love and devotion she had for Brad.

A memorial service will take place at 2:00 pm, Sunday, January 3rd, 2016 in the Chapel at Landmark Church, 1600 Glendale Milford Road, Cincinnati, Ohio  45241.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the following trust account for Brad’s children:  BRAD SUMMERS CHILDREN’S BENEFIT ACCOUNT c/o The Peoples Bank, PO Box 4250, Eatonton, GA  31024.