Delmer and Sylva Summers of Stroud celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on December 28th.
The two built a life together, a home, a family. Along with the joyous moments and good memories came bad times. But despite the trying moments that can test or break a marriage, the two have stayed together. They chose from the very beginning to work things out and to stick it out together. And, it’s turned out to be 63 years.
They are true inspirational people who emit such joy into the lives of others without even knowing it. They serve as role models for how to live and love unconditionally, said daughter Kalah.
Delmer and Sylva were married on December 28, 1958 after a brief courtship. (17 dates to be exact). Delmer had come home to Oklahoma on leave from the U.S. Navy and he and Sylva began dating. They went on several dates during the next two weeks until Delmer had to return to Long Beach, California, where he was stationed in the Navy.
He knew that it was a long shot but he asked his superiors if he could possibly take another leave around Christmas. He told them that he wanted to go back to Oklahoma and get married. He was granted the leave and he came back home to Oklahoma. He and Sylva went on a couple more dates before tying the knot on December 28, 1958.
Delmer was due back to the Navy but on the day they married it began to snow. It snowed a total of eight inches over night and the couple ended up stranded here in Oklahoma. Fortunately, he was given six more days leave to return to duty. They barely made it but all was well once they did.
Delmer and Sylva made their home in Artesia, Calif., for the next few years. During this time they would have two sons. They made the decision to return to Oklahoma where they would raise their children. In September 1965, on Delmer’s birthday, they moved back to Stroud. They went on to have two more children and would eventually buy their home north of Stroud where they reside to this day.
Delmer and Sylva both retired from the Stroud Public School Systems.
They have four children, Lonnie Summers of Madill, Gary Summers of Tuttle, Kalah Summers of Stroud and David Summers of Blanchard; six grandchildren, Brandy Kelly, Yukon; Gayla Jones and Leah Summers, both of Tuttle; Joshua Summers of Meeker; and Sean Dotson and Dalton Dotson, both of Shawnee; 10 great-grandchildren, Blake, Jacob, MacKenzie, Tatum, Avery, Mia, Haisley, Violet, Miles and Tucker and one on the way; and one great-great grandson, Motley.