Preston Miller Summers

Preston Miller Summers, age 81, of Abbeville, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026. Born on June 6, 1944, Preston grew up in Abbeville, where his adventurous spirit and many achievements were evident from an early age. He attended Mount Carmel School in Abbeville and graduated from De La Salle High School in New Orleans in 1962, distinguishing himself as a first-place medalist in pole vaulting. He went on to graduate from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, in May 1966, and earned his Juris Doctor from Tulane University Law School in May 1969.

Returning home to Abbeville, Preston practiced law alongside his father, Frank Summers. One of the moments he treasured most was administering the oath when his father was sworn in as Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court. During this period, he also proudly served in the Louisiana Army National Guard from August 1969 until his honorable discharge in August 1975.

The second oldest child of Frank and Beverly Summers, Preston was a devoted brother to Frank, Susan, Jim, Will, and Missie. He is survived by his son Preston M. Summers Jr. and his wife Krystal, his daughter Mary F. Summers, M.D., and his beloved grandchildren Ainsley, John-Preston, Phillip, and Knox, each of whom brought him immense pride and joy.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Preston will be remembered for his keen intellect, his gift for humor, and his deep connection to the land he cherished. His greatest happiness came from being outdoors, planting trees, and improving his property. He loved sharing his “heaven on earth” with his family, spending countless hours in the outdoors with his children and grandchildren. He is lovingly missed by his son, his daughter, and all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the land he loved and the lives he touched.