Joseph Wayne Sommer

Joseph Wayne Sommer, 73, of Springfield, passed away at 5:15 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at The Arbors at Centennial Pointe. Joseph was born on July 6, 1944 in Washington, IL, the son of William "Gordon" and Nellie C. Sans Sommer. He married Wanda Jeanne Bowman on June 29, 1968 in Springfield. Joseph proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He worked for Lockheed and Caterpillar before coming to Springfield in 1972 to work for the 183rd Tactical Fighter Wing. In 1987 Joseph received an award for Outstanding ANG Unit Career Advisor of the Year. He spent his spare time bicycle riding, gardening, Red Coat volunteering at MMC, and with family. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John Sommer. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Sommer of Springfield; one son, Eric (Nicole) Sommer of Springfield; one daughter, Teresa (Marty) Wilson of Springfield; five grandchildren; Ethan, Cort and Nola Sommer, and Miles and Lauren Wilson; five siblings, Donna Weir of Spring Bay, IL, Carolyn Mitchell of Morton, IL, Maxine Sommer of Morton, IL, David (Vicki) Sommer of Richmond, VA, and Larry (Debi) Sommer of Weatherby, MO; and sister-in-law, Mary Jane Sommer of East Peoria, IL. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at First Christian Church, 700 South 6th St., Springfield with Pastor Rick Irwin officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, 700 South 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703 or the Alzheimers Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, 2309 West White Oaks Dr., Suite E, Springfield, IL 62704.