No media at services for couple killed in wildfires

The family has requested privacy from the media at the celebration of life service for Jon and Janet Summers, the Memphis couple who died in the Gatlinburg wildfires. The service is next Saturday.

The Summers family released this statement Friday:

"We would like to thank everyone for the amazing outpouring of love and support during this time of trial and healing.

We ask you to please respect our privacy as we celebrate the lives of our parents, Jon and Janet, as many people knew and loved them.

We are honored to be surrounded by so much love. It serves as a reminder of the incredible legacy of our parents, and helps us to carry their love and positivity with us everywhere we go."

Jon and Janet, both 61, and their three sons were in Gatlinburg for a birthday celebration. But when the wildfires spread, the family tried to flee. The couple died in the fires. The sons — Branson, 23, and Jared and Wesley, 22 — were rescued, but critically injured, and taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The brother left the hospital.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 28 at Nashville's Woodmont Christian Church, 3601 Hillsboro Pike. Dr. Roy Stauffer, who married the couple in Memphis in 1990, will officiate.