Coupland resident Don Summers passed away at 2:45 AM today, according to Lisa Benbrook, the Secretary of St. Peter’s Church of Coupland. Lisa said that he was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.

It says something very special about Coupland that in this Internet age, the news first came to me via the church bell atop St. Peter’s Church. I was walking home from the Post Office when I heard the bell at about 11 AM. I knew in my heart what it meant. A phone call confirmed it.

I first met Don shortly after moving to Coupland. He was out walking his one-eyed dog, Cookie. I liked him immediately. However, I only recently began to get to know him better. I visited with him and his wife, Sylvia, several times and was looking forward to a long association.

One thing that always impressed me about Don was his firm handshake. Even in his period of infirmity, that handshake spoke to me. It said here was a decent, strong man that anyone would be proud to call a friend. I know he will be missed by many. Please pray for Sylvia and the rest of the family.

The image above is from Multiple System Atrophy Awareness. They posted this along with his picture on March 28, 2013:

From Vera James: Coming to the end of March Awareness and before it does end I want to give my thanks to Don Summers. He has been there for so many of the patients/caregivers giving his knowledge so that they could understand MSA and not feel so alone. He did this since the 90′s when he led the SDS/MSA Support Group, until he stepped down a few years ago because of his own health issues. He is a true warrior for MSA! If anyone wants to send Don Summers a card or letter, they can mail it to: Don Summers P.O.Box 279 Coupland, TX 78615

I will pass along information about funeral arrangements when it becomes available.