Kevin Michael Sommers

Kevin Michael Sommers, age 56 of Warren, died suddenly on January 1, 2016 at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Macomb Center in Warren. He was born June 4, 1959 in Warren, son of the late Arthur Jr. and the late Jessie (nee: Ritchie) Sommers.To his beloved family and friends,…his current and former fellow officers & workmates,…as well as the cities and surrounding communities of Warren and Memphis, Michigan,…we have all suffered a great loss in the passing of Kevin Michael Sommers, a hero and humble servant of his hometown and beyond. Though the shockwave of his death leaves questions and disbelief, our hope going forward is that we can draw from his example of loving and giving,…and extend that to each other in memory of Kevin.Born and raised in Warren, Kevin was a proud graduate of Lincoln High School, the Class of '77. During his high school years, those who knew Kevin will fondly remember the familiar face of a special Hall Monitor,…his Mom, Jessie. Possessing a firm and forthright countenance, Jessie ran a tight ship and kept things well in hand. Yes, that was Kevin's Mom. It was that kind of guidance he got from home as well, a sense of knowing just what was important and being directed down a focused path. Accordingly, Kevin's high school experience was soon followed by his ensuing education at Wayne State University from where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. Along with what Kevin learned from his mother, his father also offered a profound inspiration as to where his life was headed,…and there was no question that it was down the path of law enforcement, just like Dad. Arthur served for many years as one of Warren's finest, and that's exactly the direction Kevin decided to go. His father's influence laid the ground work, and Kevin's fortitude built the rest.As a young recruit, Kevin started at the bottom and worked his way up the ladder. Throughout his tenure on the force, he was part of the motorcycle detail and was also an integral part of the department's Honor Guard. After serving in many different capacities, Kevin's last duty was that as Director of Emergency Management, from where he retired, with honors, as a Lieutenant in 2011 following 28 years of loyal and dedicated service.And the story continues. Though he bid farewell to big city law enforcement, the drive for serving in police work was still very real. So with a little downsizing and refocusing, Kevin was ultimately sworn in as the new Police Chief in Memphis, Michigan on August 31, 2015. Eager to acquaint himself with his new community, one of the first programs he instituted was "Coffee with the Chief,"…a monthly invitation for his fellow Memphisonians to join him at the Donut Girls Shop in town to discuss issues and share concerns with their new Chief. And wasn't that just like him? Yet that kind of care and focus simply came natural for Kevin, and it emanated from him in the many tasks he took on over the years.Throughout his years of service, Kevin was also proud to have been involved in various leadership roles to include; Past President of the Christopher M. Wouters Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #124 in Warren,…Past President and National Trustee of the Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge of Michigan,…and Board Member of the MI Cops charitable organization. Yet his leadership qualities weren't reserved for just law enforcement. For many years, Kevin was active in his role as a football referee with both Lincoln High School and Wayne State University. As a former football player for both himself, Kevin brought much to the table with his experience and inspiration in helping mold and teach these aspiring athletes. Other sporting highlights for Kevin include the time he spent as a member of Lincoln High School's All-Star wrestling team,…and the incredible moment he got to meet the Detroit Red Wings at the White House. His was a life filled with many inspirational moments, many of which were simply blessings that came back to him for the countless ways he touched others' hearts and lives.When he was able to find some time away from work, it often meant heading to the Belle Maer Marina in Harrison Township and climbing aboard his cabin cruiser for a little boating pleasure. He loved the water and enjoyed sharing his boat with others as they navigated the local waters of the Mitten. And there was no better place for Kevin to share one of his renowned traits,…that as a consummate storyteller. He loved to opine about anything or nothing, and never ceased to add just the perfect spin you came to expect from one with stories abounding. Yet the best and most profound that Kevin had to offer was generated from his incredible giving nature and his unique way of considering others more important than himself. In any way he could, Kevin was always there for you and was forever helping where he was needed. And nobody knows this more than Temrowski Funeral Home. With every request throughout the years, Kevin was a "Champ"…always giving his best & brightest to meet the needs at hand. He was definitely an unselfish participant in this thing called life.A loving son, brother, uncle and companion, Kevin leaves a mark that very few ever will. He led by example,…gave with everything he had,…and loved without measure. The legacy he leaves is sure to be embraced with each reflection shared, and that's bound to be immeasurable. A life gone far too soon from our presence, may he rest in peace,…and may we find peace in his rest. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally.Kevin was the beloved son of the late Arthur & Jessie. Dearest brother of Larry (Deby) Sommers and Scott (Suzanne) Sommers. Cherished uncle of Lauren, Dan, Jeff, Jake, Lindsey, Savannah, Michael, and great-uncle to Avianna. Loving companion of Lisa Sorbo-Roscoe. Visitation for Kevin will be held Monday, January 4th from 5-9pm and Tuesday, January 5th from 2-9 pm, with a 6:30pm Scripture Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. He will lie in state on Wednesday from 9:30 am until time of the Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families Catholic Church – St. Dorothy Campus in Warren. Interment will follow at St. Clement Cemetery in Center Line, Michigan.Memorial donations, in Kevin's memory, may be directed to MI Cops, P.O. Box 508, DeWitt, MI 48820-0508 or to www.MICops.org. Please share memories of Kevin at his memory book above.