Gregory Lawson Summers

Gregory “Greg” Lawson Summers, 74, of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away on June 19, 2026, in Norman. He was born on October 25, 1951, in Ventura, California, to Harold L. and Lois L. Armstrong Summers of Oklahoma City. He was raised in Midland, TX until his family moved to Oklahoma in 1960. In 1969, he came to Norman to attend the University of Oklahoma and made it his lifelong home.

Greg earned both a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering and Environmental Science from the University of Oklahoma. He had a 40-year career with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and served as the Supervisor of the Oklahoma Fishery Research Laboratory (OFRL) from 1982 until his retirement in 2013. Greg published numerous articles in scientific literature and the OFRL became one of the premier state agency research units under his leadership. He was very fond of his relationships throughout the wildlife department, and he loved the satisfaction his career brought him. He always said, “If you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

As a member of the American Fisheries Society, Greg served as president of the Oklahoma Chapter and Secretary-Treasurer of the Southern Division. He formerly served as a board member and volunteer of the Norman Optimist Club, the Norman YMCA, and Alpacas of Oklahoma. As a young man, Greg spent a lot of time outdoors as a Boy Scout, which would encourage and nourish his love of nature and biological sciences. Much like his life, whether it was a camping spot, a fishing area or any personal experience, Greg believed in “walking away from somewhere and leaving it in better shape than when you found it, with only footprints remaining.” He went on to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, a distinction that echoed the values he carried forward — service, perseverance, and quiet strength.

In 1993, Greg met his lifelong partner, Lynn, and they married a few years later. They built a beautiful life together, blending their families, and being supportive parents to their four children. They enjoyed traveling and spent many years throwing pottery at the Firehouse Art Center. Greg and Lynn both retired in 2013, moved to their ranch and opened Summers Hill Alpacas, which they operated for 10 years. That experience opened up a new world and brought new friendships and happy memories.

Greg’s happiest hours were often simple ones: being with family, working in his shop, reading, watching movies, and working the ranch. In more recent years, he found deep satisfaction in woodworking, building guitars, and just spending time on the ranch. In his younger years, he loved hunting and fishing, working on and racing cars, and playing multiple instruments in a teenage band in the 60’s (guitar, bass guitar, banjo, harmonica, drums) and later, even a brief interest in the bagpipes. Greg was known to make mix tapes of his favorite songs before CD’s came about. His musical taste leaned toward the music of the 1960s and 1970s, songs that matched his appreciation for what lasts.

Those who knew Greg best will remember a beloved husband, father, and grandfather whose devotion to family came first. He was a natural teacher and leader who delighted in “spreading a little knowledge,” whether showing his kids how to work on cars, teaching them to ski, how to play guitar, and how to BUILD or FIX just about ANYTHING. His laugh and humor were usually not far from the forefront of his personality (One of Greg’s favorite phrases to use after just about any sporting experience was, “just as long as you had fun.”) However, he could ALWAYS be relied on for serious advice that contained the patriarchal, thoughtful weight of someone who truly had the experience to give it. He coached and supported his children in sports, music, art, and performances, and he especially treasured being a grandfather. Greg wished to be remembered as a loving husband and father, and as a lover of nature and animals.

Greg is survived by his wife, Lynn Freeman Summers; and by his children: Zac Summers and wife Jessica Summers of Tulsa, OK; Jake Summers and wife Laura Summers of South Lake Tahoe, CA; Carrie Eldridge of Norman, OK; and Leslie Eldridge and husband Alex Baker of Ankara, Turkey. He is survived by his brother, Doug Summers, and wife Mary Ann of OKC, OK, as well as niece Jessica Summers Musgrove of OKC, OK, and nephews Sam Summers of Edmond, OK and Joe Summers of OKC, OK, among numerous other nieces and nephews. He is survived by three grandchildren: Bodie Summers (5), Jude Baker (3), and Lawson Summers (2). He is also survived by Laura Mathis Huckabee, former wife and mother of Zac and Jake. Greg also leaves behind beloved companions: Sean, Dottie, Sissy, and his alpacas and llamas.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Lois Summers. He is also preceded in passing by multiple Corkys (pet dogs from his youth) and Winston the Westie and Teddy, both of whom were his loving companions in life.

As per Greg’s wishes, there will be no public service. Memorial donations may be made to WildCare Oklahoma (https://www.wildcareoklahoma.org) or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).