(3-20-25) Former St. Henry boys’ basketball coach Al Summers passed away at the age of 75. Al was th long-time JV coach at St. Henry and assumed the varsity position, succeeding Fran Guilbault in 2000 and guided the Redskins to the 2000 State Runners-Up trophy.
2000 St. Henry Basketball (courtesy St. Henry Yearbook)
In his final year with the St. Henry boys, he took a team that had no player over 6’2″ and ended up playing for the state championship. He was named co-coach of the year by the Associated Press. His team featured a defense he had spent 12 years developing….the Pressure Switching Man to Man.
OBITUARY
Charles “Al” Summers, age 75, passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2025. He was born June 16, 1949, in Dayton, OH to the late Ernest and Alta Mae Summers.
Al is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Vicki Summers, sons; Christopher (Laurie) Summers of Pataskala, OH, and Kevin Summers of Pataskala, OH, daughter, Kimberly (Justin) Roe of Heath, OH, grandchildren; Emma, Logan, Grayson, Leo, and Stella, brother, Edward (Kathy) Summers of Westerville, OH, along with other dear family and friends. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a sister, numerous close aunts and uncles.
Al graduated from Celina Senior High School, as senior class president, and went on to further his education at Bowling Green University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science. He later received a Master’s in Education from the University of Dayton. Al then embarked on a fulfilling career as a basketball coach and teacher at St. Henry Middle School, where he dedicated 28 years of his life, including a win of state runner up his final year coaching.
Beyond his professional achievements, Al had a deep love for the outdoors, enjoying fishing trips in Missouri and golfing at every opportunity. He was also a talented cook, particularly skilled at preparing steaks and seafood.
Al and his wife, Vicki, shared a love of travel, visiting all 50 states together, creating countless cherished memories as they explored new places. A man of immense talent and creativity, Al will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Family will receive friends Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 4-7PM at SCHOEDINGER EAST FUNERAL HOME, a funeral service will be held the following day, Monday, March 24, 2025 at 11AM, with burial to follow after at Pataskala Cemetery. Please share a memory or send condolences to Al’s family.
Sunday,March 23, 2025
Visitation
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
5360 E Livingston Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43232
Monday,March 24, 2025
Funeral Service
11:00 am
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