Summer Ray Kennard, age 20, formerly of Willard, living in Cardington, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly due to an automobile accident on February 3, 2025. She was born on April 4, 2004, in Norwalk, Ohio to Matthew Shawn and Dawn Michelle (Sexton) Kennard.
Summer attended Celeryville Christian School from Kindergarten through 8th grade. She then attended Willard High School her Freshman and Sophomore year. For her Junior and Senior year, she attended Pioneer for Criminal Justice, graduating in 2022. She went on to continue her studies in Criminal Justice and obtained her associate’s degree at North Central State College. While at NC State she graduated the Police Academy with Honors. During her school years, she played various sports but tennis was her favorite. Her love for Jesus was known by many; she was a member of and attended City Church in Willard, Ohio. Summer enjoyed reading, caring for all animals, and any activities involving the outdoors such as kayaking and hiking.
Summer was an active Police Officer for the Bellville Police Department and Butler Police Department. She was attending school at Tri-Rivers Career Center to become an EMT.
Left behind to carry on her memory are many friends along with her parents, Matthew and Dawn Kennard; grandparents, Debra Sexton, Larry and Linda Kennard; aunts and uncles; Rayanne (Jason) Hammond, Jeaneen (Dale) Perry, Lea Ann Sexton, Brian (Lana) Kennard and Blake (Mary) Kennard; cousins, Molly Hammond, Cassandra Stratton, Joshua Perry, Jacob Sexton, Tayler Predieri, Parker Kennard, Logan Kennard, Griffin Kennard and Phoenix Kennard; special relatives, Natalie Lucanegro, Corianne Lucanegro and Delaney Buchner.
Summer was preceded in death by her grandfather, Raymond Sexton; uncle, Doug Sexton and cousin, Dylan Patton.
Friends and family may gather on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at the Celeryville Christian School in Celeryville, Ohio from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Summer’s funeral service will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025 at the Celeryville Christian School in Celeryville, Ohio at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Greg Griffith officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Shiloh, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to any Humane Society, Animal Shelter, Celeryville Christian School, Butler and/or Bellville Police Department. Online condolences can be made to Summer’s family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com
Condolences
Derek - Mar 1, 2025
I don’t know this family but my heart and prayers go out to each of you with the loss of your loved one. I just can’t imagine as she was so young! God bless the family and keep You during this tragic time!
Melody - Feb 17, 2025
My sincere sympathy. Keeping you in prayer. May God give you comfort.
Jamie - Feb 14, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. Summer will never be forgotten. May she rest in peace.
Ron & Patty Foreman Fultz - Feb 10, 2025
Sending our sincere condolences to Summer's family and friends. Our hearts are broken for everyone that knew her. God comfort her family🙏
Jen Woodmansee Barnett - Feb 10, 2025
I’m so sorry for your loss. Words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow that I feel for you during Summer passing. Prayers and hugs for everyone
Jaislynn and Kristin - Feb 9, 2025
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest heartfelt condolences.
Christi - Feb 9, 2025
In this sad time, you, Summer’s family and friends, have my sympathy and prayers. As one of the SkillsUSA Advisors at Pioneer CTC, I was privileged to accompany Summer and the SkillsUSA Crime Scene Investigation Team to the National SkillsUSA Competition. Even though she was quiet, she was confident in her training. She was a joy to be around. I am proud of her and blessed that she was part of my life. Sorrowfully yours, Christi Smith
Mark Dettmer - Feb 9, 2025
On behalf of FOP Lodge #32 and President Bammann, we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers at the passing of Officer Kennard. Her courageous devotion to the safety and wellbeing to the citizens of Bellville and Butler as a law enforcement officer will not be forgotten. May the grace of The Good Shepherd be with her family and all those who are experiencing a deep sense of loss. ~Mark Dettmer, Chaplain FOP Lodge #32
Carrie (Powers) Murphy - Feb 8, 2025
I’ll never understand why God does what He does. I’m just glad He is good. I know He loves you and I pray that in this tragedy something beautiful will come from these ashes. May you feel the peace of Jesus. That’s all I can really say because there’s truly no words that I can offer to help ease your grief. Many prayers and my sincerest condolences. May God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.
susan karl and kennys family - Feb 7, 2025
so sorry for you precious loss
Mayor Teri Brenkus - Feb 7, 2025
We will always remember Officer Summer Kennard’s kind and beautiful soul. She was an excellent Officer and will be forever remembered and missed in the Clear Fork Valley. We will continue to lift her family, friend and fellow officers in prayer.
Jackie Kaple - Feb 7, 2025
Matt I don’t know if you remember me but I worked with you at Timken many years ago and I remember you talking about your little girl. My heart is breaking for you and your wife Stay strong 🙏
Mary and Lenny Branham - Feb 7, 2025
Linda and Larry and your family So very sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers to you all.
Kathy Kilgore, Leland Collins and Travis Mullins - Feb 7, 2025
Dawn and Family, my heart goes out to you in the loss of Summer. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you in your time of grief. There's no words that I can say to ease your pain of losing your beautiful daughter. Know that I pray for your comfort at this time. Sincerely, Kathy
Bettie Whitright - Feb 7, 2025
Matt and Dawn may God comfort you and give you strength in the days ahead. Our family is thinking & praying for you both. Bettie, Emma & Ellie Whitright
Chandra - Feb 7, 2025
There truly are no words. My heart breaks and breaks again for your family.
Rebecca, Landon, and Natalie - Feb 6, 2025
So very sorry for your loss. I remember Summer as a beautiful sweet little girl, the same age as Landon growing up. Prayers to you and the entire family during this time.
Huron County Chapter 3900 - Feb 6, 2025
Dawn & family, your union brothers and sisters send our sympathy. The loss of Summer is unimaginable and we are here to support you through this difficult time.
Larry and Fran Smith - Feb 6, 2025
Larry, Linda, and the whole family our thoughts and prayers are with you all🙏 What a beautiful young lady. May you find comfort in cherished memories and blessings made and hold them close to your hearts❤️ And know the Lord is with you all through this difficult time and the times you miss Summer the most. Our sincere condolences 🙏
Terri Gumbert - Feb 6, 2025
You named her so well, Matt and Dawn - Summer Ray was a beautiful ray of light and warmed my heart just by knowing her. I am praying for your broken hearts.
Peggy M Opatken - Feb 6, 2025
So very sorry to hear of Summer's passing. May she rest in peace. She did so much in her young life.
Kristina - Feb 6, 2025
I was Summer's English teacher at NCSC. She was a delightful student who worked hard and did well in my class. I'm so sorry this happened and my condolences go out to her family and friends.
Ralph - Feb 6, 2025
Our sincere condolences to you and your family. May the you have the peace of God envelop you and family at this time. We also know the loss of a child as you are experiencing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Pastor Art Kennard - Feb 6, 2025
So sorry for your loss! Our prayers are with you and your family
Paula Miller - Feb 6, 2025
Matt and Dawn, words just can’t express what to say at this time. All I know to say is that my heart aches for you in the loss of your beautiful daughter. I pray the Comforter eases your heart and knowing she is resting in Jesus’ loving arms. I am so very sorry. I love you. Paula
Sheri - Feb 5, 2025
My deepest sympathy to you Dawn and Matt. I am filled with sadness for you but am comforted knowing Summer is in the arms of her Savior .
Jeff & Linda Adams - Feb 5, 2025
Are thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. 🙏❤
Kelly Baker Shifferly - Feb 5, 2025
There are Not enough words to express how sorry we are for your loss. I can’t even imagine. …continued prayers for all of you for your healing from the loss of this wonderful girl. 🙏
Kendra Collins - Feb 5, 2025
I am so so sorry this has happened, I can't even imagine the pain you all are feeling. I am so glad she is in Jesus' arms right now & you will see her again! I so wish I could be up there for the service. Many Hugs, love from Debbie's scrapbooking friends in GA.
Karen Alt - Feb 5, 2025
Matt and Dawn, my heart broke when I heard of Summer's passing. It breaks even more when I found out she was your daughter. I cannot imagine anything worse than the loss of a child. I remember Matt talking about her when he worked at Timken. She was such a beautiful little girl who obviously grew into a very special young woman. Her passing is such a loss to so many. Please accept my sincerest sympathy and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susie Kimble Smith - Feb 5, 2025
Larry,Linda,Brian, & Family my deepest condolences to you all. A beautiful child gone way too soon. 💔🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
JR Hoover - Feb 5, 2025
I am so sorry to hear about Summer. My condolences to your family and prayers for you to find comfort in knowing she is in a better place
Noah and Christine - Feb 5, 2025
Our heart goes out to you 2 wonderful people. Summer was just an amazing young soul. We pray for healing of your hearts. And by all the support I see. The life she lived is a blessing upon all her friends and family. If I had to choose a role model for young women. Summer is at the top of the list. 🙏🏻
Gary and Roxann - Feb 5, 2025
Matt and Dawn and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Summer was such a sweet girl. Prayers for the whole family
Mike & Donnie Courtright - Feb 5, 2025
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Summer was much too young to get her mansion in heaven. May you and your entire family be comforted by the Lords arms wrapped around you all.
Quality Inn of Bellville, Ohio - Feb 5, 2025
We are thankful for her service to us in Bellville. Our thoughts & prayers are with her family, friends & departments.
Tammy Westbrook - Feb 5, 2025
Dawn and Matt, I am so sorry to hear about Summer's passing. I am praying for comfort and peace for you that only God can give. ❤️
Steve Fannin - Feb 5, 2025
There are no words, except she is with God now, and she will be missed. My prayers go out to Matt and Dawn for there loss.
Davina & Family - Feb 5, 2025
Bellville truly lost a blessing. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Mark Smith - Feb 5, 2025
I'm deeply sorry for your loss.
Lori Cuppy Crichton - Feb 5, 2025
I'm so sorry to hear this. Just heartbreaking. Matt, Larry & Linda and the rest of the Family, may you find peace and comfort in the days ahead. God Bless you all.
Mary Hooks - Feb 5, 2025
My heart breaks for you! There are no words! Prayers for your peace & strength through this difficult time.
Clyde and Sheila - Feb 5, 2025
Matt and Dawn there are no words to express how sorry we are for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jennifer - Feb 5, 2025
My condolences go out to you and your family. She was amazing girl that I got to know dearly. I'm lost for words as I'm dealing with the same thing as my mother passed away on 31st of January. I will continue on her memories. I love you all
Deb Barnett - Feb 5, 2025
Matt and Dawn, There are not enough words to express my sympathy. Praying for strength and comfort now and the days ahead.
Jeanne Harmon - Feb 4, 2025
My heart goes out to you Debbie, and your precious family. May the Lord give you strength and peace that only he can give. You are in my heart and prayers.
Carrie - Feb 4, 2025
Summer was a beautiful soul and such a blessing to all . Words cannot express how sorry I am for the loss of summer . Praying for her family 🙏
Dwayne & Shelley Hershiser - Feb 4, 2025
Matt and Dan, so sorry for your loss. You both are in our thoughts and prayers.
