Russell George Sommers

Russell George Sommers, age 91 of Grand Prairie, passed away on August 26, 2021. He was born on August 8, 1930 in Rensselaer, Indiana, the son of Charles Sommers and Mary Halsema Sommers. Russ married Gladys Anita Stone on November 15, 1952 and she preceded him in death on June 19, 2017. Together they raised their children Glen and Gayla.

Russ was a 1949 graduate of Rensselaer High School, where he played on the Varsity football team. He later graduated from UTA in 1958, where he received his Bachelors of Science degree in electrical engineering. Russ proudly served in the Indiana National Guard for 1 1/2 years and also as a Corporal in the U.S. Army for four years, during the Korean Conflict.

After his service, Russ worked at Otis Elevator in Dallas, LTV in Dallas, Anderson Laboratory in Fort Worth, as a salesman for Southwestern Motor Transport, and most recently as a security guard at Lone Star Park. He was a lifelong and active member of Crosspoint Church of Christ in Grand Prairie, where he was past president of the 39ers and volunteered with the Chairmen Group.

Russ was kind and compassionate, giving much of his time to volunteering and helping others. He was a Mason for 65 years, where he was active in the Sam R. Hamilton Masonic Lodge and past president of the Rhome Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the Shriners and Scottish Rite Masons. One of his most rewarding volunteer experiences was the time he spent at Dalworth Nursing Home in Grand Prairie, where he spent 14 years as the volunteer president and taught Bible class each Sunday.

Russ will be remembered for his quick wit, great sense of humor, and infectious smile. He had a passion for woodworking, loved watching the Dallas Cowboys, listening to music, fishing, and reading. He enjoyed reading the Bible, Louis L'Amour books, and World War I and II history. Russ' greatest love was that in his faith, family, and friends.

Russ is survived by his daughter, Gayla Sommers of Grand Prairie; daughter-in-law Mindy Sommers of Poultney, Vermont; grandchildren Chrystal Gomez of Midland, Sarah Gomez and husband Michael of Keller, Elizabeth Cause and husband Andrew of The Colony, and Tim Sommers of Keller; great grandchildren Chloe Escamilla and Reagan Villalba; brother Richard Sommers and wife Shirley; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Nita, their son Glen Sommers, and siblings Jack, Bob, Carl, Raymond, Harold, Martha, Elizabeth, Sophie, Louise, and Ruth.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made in Russ' name to the "Chairmen Fund" of Crosspoint Church of Christ, 3020 Bardin Road, Grand Prairie, Texas 75052.

Funeral service will be at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Crosspoint Church of Christ. For those not able to attend in person, the service will be live streamed on the Church's Facebook page. Interment and military honors will follow at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 2:15pm. The family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday, September 7 from 6:00-8:00pm at Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home, Grand Prairie.