Thomas Howard Somers, 85, passed away on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at his home in Ossian with his wife and son at his bedside. He was born Thursday, September 28, 1933, at home in Fort Wayne, a son of the late Howard Morris and Catherine (Buck) Somers. Tom graduated from Ossian High School in 1952, and then served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. He was awarded military honors for National Defense Service, Army of Occupation Germany, sharpshooter, and good conduct. He spent his life as a builder of many churches, homes and businesses. Tom loved his grandchildren, family, gardening, cheering for Purdue Boilermakers and his “deli gang.” In 2016, Tom was among 54 firefighters honored by the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association and the Indiana General Assembly for fifty years of service. He is survived by his wife of sixty-two years Marilyn (Moser) Somers; his son, Kent (Lisa) Somers of Fort Wayne; and grandchildren Kyle, Kira and Kenna. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara (Dale) Wilburn, sisters-in-law, Maxine Brandyberry and Pat Brandyberry, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Howard Somers, Bob and Dave Brandyberry. Funeral service will be 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at Elzey Patterson Rodak Funeral Home, 120 West Mill St., Ossian with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to noon and from 2:00 p.m. until service time. Preferred memorials may be made to the Ossian volunteer fire department or Calvary United Methodist Church, Fort Wayne.
