William E. “Billy” Summers Jr., age 82, of Gilliam, died Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, with his wife at his side.

Graveside services will be Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 2 p.m. at Gilliam Cemetery, with Rev. Lynn Snapp officiating. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing will be observed, and facial coverings are recommended. Pallbearers will be Adrian Summers, Isaac Summers, Tyler Lane, Evan Summers, Blake Summers, and Ian Meyer. Although the family will not be present, friends may call from 10:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at Weiker Funeral Home in Slater. Memorials are suggested to the Saline County Fair Association in care of the funeral home.

Born September 10, 1938 in Boonville, he was the only son of the late W.E. “Bill” Summers and Christine Deis Summers. On July 29, 1960, he married Lois Ann Harris, and she survives of the home.

Also surviving are three sons, William L. “Bud” Summers and his wife Kim of Gilliam, Brent Summers and his wife Shelle of Rogers, Arkansas, and Joe Summers and his wife Tori of Marshall; a daughter, Kristin Meyer and her husband Greg of Marshalltown, Iowa; ten grandchildren, Adrian Summers of Lake Ozark, Kaleigh Summers and her fiancé Tyler Lane of Columbia, Allea Summers of Astoria, New York, Evan Summers of Gilliam, Blake Summers of Columbia, Isaac Summers of St. Augustine, Florida, Lilli Summers of Marshall; and Ian Meyer, Claire Meyer, and Libby Meyer, all of Marshalltown, Iowa; and several cousins.

Mr. Summers was a member of Gilliam Baptist Church. He was a 1956 graduate of Slater High School, attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, and was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. Billy graduated from Reisch Auction College in Mason City, Iowa. He owned and operated Summers Auctioneers for fifty years, as well as farmed and raised cattle. He was a member of the 401 Couples Club, the Cambridge Masonic Lodge #63 A.F. & A.M. in Slater, and the Ararat Shrine. Billy and Lois Ann were long-time supporters of the Shriner’s Circus. He was a long-time member of the Missouri State Auctioneers Association, the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, and the Livestock Feeders. He was a former member of the Gilliam School Board. Billy was most proud of his family.