Elwin Leroy Summers

Elwin Leroy Summers – October 19, 1942 – June 18, 2026

Elwin Leroy Summers, 83, of Yucaipa, California, passed away on June 18, 2026, after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. Born on October 19, 1942, in Wilcox, Arizona, to Leroy Summers and Twalla Faye Holler Summers.  Elwin enjoyed a life that was full and colorful as the western landscapes he loved. 
Elwin was, at his core, a Cowboy. You'd rarely catch him without his hat and cowboy boots, and he carried himself with the kind of warmth and easygoing charm that made everyone feel like an old friend. He never met a stranger. Whether at the grocery store, a shooting range, or a backyard barbecue, Elwin had a gift for striking up a conversation and making people feel right at home.

Elwin attended Coachella Valley High School in Thermal, California. Then in 1960, Elwin answered the call to serve his Country and enlisted in the United States Navy. He served four years as Petty Officer TorpedomanThird Class on the USS Sperry. Upon completion of duty Elwin left with an Honorable Discharge. In 1971 Elwin began a career in law enforcement with the Coachella Police Department in Coachella, California. In 1978 with the rank of Detective, Elwin decided to pursue what would become his true professional calling as an Insurance Agent. Elwin’s career in the Insurance field spanned an impressive 47 years. Yet Elwin never thought of it as a job. To him, his clients were simply an extension of his family and close friends. He wasn't selling policies; he was helping the people he cared about protect what mattered most to them.

Elwin was a man of many passions. He was an avid reader who always had a novel in hand, and his appetite for knowledge made him one of the most interesting people in any room. He was a proud member of several gun clubs and thoroughly enjoyed shooting, both casually and in competition. As a member of the Single Action Shooting Society, he found a perfect outlet for his cowboy spirit, dressing up in old-time western wear and playing the part with enthusiasm. In August of 1982, Elwin made a life altering change that impacted him in the most positive way. Elwin gained his sobriety by joining A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous). Yet, not only did he join, but over the 44 years, he became a Sponsor and friend to many individuals during their life’s journey. In 1997 Elwin decided to join the community group Parents Without Partners. This led to the greatest chapter of his life. It was there that he met the love of his life, Deborah. As the story goes, they both dropped out of the club because they found each other, and from that moment on, they spent the rest of their time together having the time of their lives. Elwin lived in the confidence his faith in Christ provided through every season of his life. His family takes comfort knowing he is now at peace in the Lord’s loving embrace. Elwin is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah Skinner Summers; his daughter Michell Summers Gazarian of Cheyenne, Wyoming; his son, Elwin Douglas Summers of Norfolk, Virginia; his son Jayson Summers of San Diego, California; his brother Michael Summers of Austin, Texas; his sister Twalla “Cissy”McCarty of Aguilar, Colorado; his cherished granddaughter Sophia Summers of Norfolk, Virginia; and his grandsons Ashton Summers and Jayden Summers both of San Diego, California. Elwin’s life was enriched by the many friends, clients, and relatives who will miss his laughter, stories, and his generous heart.

 A private Celebration of Life will be held with close family. In Memory of Elwin, his family encourages those who knew Elwin, to start a conversation with a stranger, lend a helping hand to a friend, or simply put on your favorite hat and boots and enjoy your life as Elwin would have wanted you to.