Braden Garrett Summers, born June 3, 2001, in Brownwood, met his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, January 31, 2015.  Braden was a distinguished 7th grade honor student at Early Middle School.

Braden is survived by his wonderful parents, Rick and Kelley Summers, and his little sister, Taylor. Other survivors include the following: Mike and Cindy Whitehead of Lometa; Pat Whitehead also of Lometa; Wilma Raye Miller of Comanche; Johnny and Felicia Summers of Lubbock; Kirk, Kenna, Raegan and Ace Whitehead of Lampasas; James, Keri, Hayden, Ashton, Addie and Greenlee Chism of Lometa; Scott, Abe and Jeren Morris of Early; Tyson, Melissa, Madison and Hayden Summers of Comanche; and William, Carla, Kayla, Jacob, Victoria and Jonathan Crim of Comanche. Braden was preceded in death by his great-grandparents Judson Whitehead and B.G. and Alice Hairston, and grandparents James and Carla Foreman. He is survived by numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins as well.

Braden’s first love was serving God. Braden was a very active member of Church of the Hills in Lometa, Texas. Braden participated in many holiday church theatre productions, as well as, other weekly church activities. Also dear to Braden’s heart was his family. Braden took every opportunity to love and enjoy his mother, Kelley, and his dad, Rick. The highlight of his life was his 10 year- old little sister, Taylor. Braden and Taylor both shared a love of sports and spent many hours in the back yard practicing their skills together. Braden’s love for all sports such as: baseball, basketball, and football kept him and his family very busy. Not only did Braden represent Early Middle School well on the football field and the basketball court, but he also played select tournament baseball on various teams throughout the state. He played for the Texas Tornados, a select baseball team, based in Pflugerville, Texas. This past summer, his team won the Super Series Baseball of America Texas State Championship in Round Rock, the Nations Baseball State Championship in Houston, and the Baseball Nationals in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. His team finished the season undefeated in 21 consecutive games. Braden loved school. He was a member of the Early Middle School Student Council and was on the honor roll. He had also been selected student of the month in 6th and 7th grade. During his 6th grade year, he was selected by his peers as class favorite. Braden also excelled in the Early Middle School choir program. Braden’s high academic standards led him to do well in class and maintain an A average in his classes.

Braden’s love for God and family was evident each and every day in his life. Braden was not only a friend to all of his classmates, but also an inspiration to his teachers and coaches as well.

Braden’s parents would like to sincerely thank Dr. Michael Lyons, Dr. Michael Cloy and the entire staff at Brownwood Regional Medical Center for their quick and responsive care shown to Braden. Also, a debt of gratitude beyond compare to all medical team members at Cook Children’s Medical Center and the Ronald McDonald House in Ft. Worth, Texas. Also, Braden’s parents are very grateful to Kelly and Katy Beth Hutchins during this time.

Family, friends, classmates, team members, teachers, coaches and church members will celebrate Braden’s amazing life this Thursday the 5th of February at 1:30 P.M. at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church with Heartland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Bishop Kevin Martin of Church of the Hills in Lometa, Texas, will officiate with burial to follow at the Senterfitt Cemetery in Lometa, Texas. Pallbearers will include some of Braden’s past coaches. In lieu of flowers, Braden’s parents eagerly request the following: donations to be made in Braden Summers’ name to Cook Children’s Medical Center or the Ronald McDonald House of Ft. Worth, Texas, or by participating in the upcoming Braden Summers’ Memorial Blood Drive to be held at the Early Middle School Gym this coming Monday the 9th of February from 1 until 5 P.M. Please contact the EMS office @ 325/643/5665 for more information or to set up an appointment for donation.

Memories of Braden and condolences for the family can be shared at heartlandfuneralhome.net.