John Charles Summervill, 89, died June 17, 2025, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born April 9, 1936, in Hillsboro, to Wesley and Mildred (Bredemeier) Summervill.
John graduated Marion High School in 1953. He served in the United Sates Army from 1957 to 1959. John attended Emporia State Teachers College where he received his bachelor degree in 1962 and his master degree in 1963, both in education. He was a very proud Hornet! His teaching career began in Strong City, where he taught 7th grade. John then moved to Hutchinson and worked primarily for USD 309 Nickerson-South Hutchinson. He started out teaching at South Hutchinson Grade School before moving to Nickerson High School where he taught history and government. In addition, John served as the Athletic Director for USD 309 and coached girls’ basketball and softball. John also officiated basketball, baseball and football games. Never one for rest and relaxation, he worked in the summers for the Soil Conservation Service and mowed lawns for over 50 years.
John had a passion for education and encouraging students and athletes to work hard and strive for excellence. As a result, he received many awards throughout his teaching career. John was inducted into the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame and the Teacher Hall of Fame. In addition, he was named Athletic Director of the Year.
Giving back and supporting the community, was an integral part of John’s life. He was involved in NEA, KNEA, Kansas College Officials Association, and the ESU Alumni Association. John also served as a trustee for the ESU Foundation. In addition, he was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson, where he participated in the Methodist Men, Doers Sunday School Class, and served as a Sunday morning usher. John was a fixture at church, always volunteering “behind the scenes”.
John was dedicated to his church, education, and the community, but his greatest love and dedication was his family. He was a devoted and proud husband, father, and grandfather, always supporting his family with unconditional love.
While at Emporia State, he met his future bride, Barbara Ann Cooper. They were married July 1, 1961, in Cheney.
John is survived by: his wife of almost 64 years, Barbara of Hutchinson; children, Rodney Summervill (Carol), and Jill Goertzen (Russ), all of Buhler; grandsons, Jacob Goertzen of Buhler, Joshua Goertzen of Manhattan, Justin Goertzen, and Jesse Goertzen, all of Buhler; step-grandchildren, Megan Anger, Ethan Caster, and Dane Caster; sister, Sue Navrat (Dennis); sisters-in-law, Marge Summervill and Val Summervill; and numerous nieces, nephews and former students.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Marion Summervill and Mick Summervill.
Celebration of Life Service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1602 N. Main, Hutchinson, with military honors conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Private inurnment will take place in the church columbarium. Friends may sign his book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday at Elliott Mortuary and from 9:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Trinity United Methodist Church or the Summervill Family Scholarship at Emporia State University, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
Well done, good and faithful servant.