John W Sommers

John Wesley Sommers of Vernon, New York age 88: formerly of Clinton, MI, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Tuesday February 14th. He was born on November 6, 1934 in Detroit Michigan, the son of the late William & Olive Eleanor (Redmond) Sommers. John married Ruth M. Huff on June 7, 1958, who predeceased him. Surviving are his daughters, Johnna (Jerry) Westine, of Vernon, NY; Brenda (Stan) Marquardt, of Port Huron, MI; Beth (Steve) Inda, of Warren, MI; Ruth (Bill) Huntington, of Dearborn, MI. He was proud of his three grandchildren, Renee (Joe) Knauer, Kimberly (Matt) Rheinecker, and April (Dan) Marquardt; and four amazing great-grandchildren that he loved and knew him as Grandpa Grandpa. Several Nieces and Nephews that he cherished and his namesake that predeceased him, his nephew, John Wesley Sommers.

John served his country in the Air Force from 1955-1957 as an airplane mechanic and was honorably discharged. One of his proudest missions was flying Christmas trees from Tripoli, Africa to troops in Germany. While in the service he raced motorcycles in the desert, and in civilian life, he enjoyed racing cars and boxing. After his service to the country, he worked for several research and development firms in the automotive industry, ultimately working for General Motors and retiring from Delphi. John was proud to be one of the first to research and develop electric cars and followed the advancement in electric car technology throughout his life.

He was a 34 year member of the American Legion, currently of post 404 in Vernon, NY. When in Michigan he enjoyed the monthly GM retirement breakfast. Most importantly, John was an adored minister for 54 years, giving sermons and counsel to others for spiritual growth. He had an amazing sense of humor and wit with an infectious laugh and smile. He loved a good joke, drawing, singing, socializing, going out to eat and most noted, he could fix anything with a rubber band. Oh, he had rubber bands!

The family would like to thank all of his wonderful medical providers, Presbyterian Home Adult Daycare and Hospice for their kindness, care and compassion. You all meant the world to him and were his social hour!

There will be no formal services for John, he will be laid to rest in a private ceremony in the spring. In Lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory can be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Rd, New Hartford, NY 13413