Donald Harvey Somerville

Donald Harvey Somerville, born on July 29, 1936, in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, passed away on November 16, 2025, at the age of 89. Donald was a resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, where he was known for his adventurous, brave, devoted, hard-working, and honest nature.

Donald spent the majority of his formative years growing up in North Carolina, but also lived in other states as his father held jobs throughout the United States. Most notable was a stint in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where his father worked on the Manhattan Project during WWII. Donald also attended and graduated from Fisburne Military School on his way to an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of North Carolina and a master's degree from San Jose State University.

Donald served with distinction for over 20 years in the US Air Force, retiring with the rank of Major. He was stationed in Texas, Washington, California, Thailand, Vietnam, Missouri, Arizona, and finally in Las Vegas. He was trained as a B-52 electronic warfare officer, flew EB-66s during the Vietnam War, and was a drone launch control officer on DC-130s. His dedication and service were recognized with numerous awards, including the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam with Gallantry Cross, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and Air Force Commendation Medal.

Following his retirement from the US Air Force, Donald worked as an engineer for Holmes and Narvar at the Nevada Nuclear Test Site and then on Johnson Island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Donald's first marriage was to Diane Vail Gaylord in 1959 in North Carolina. He is survived by his three children from that marriage: Donald Gregory Somerville, Laurie Annette Somerville, and Connie Kathleen Barlow. He was then married to Janice Elaine Galt in Las Vegas, Nevada, in January of 1987, who preceded him in death in 2022. He survived by her two sons: Ty Metten and Todd Metten. Donald was very proud of all his children and their talents and accomplishments.

A Military Honors Service and Burial will be held at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, located at 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV 89005, on December 4, 2025, beginning at 10:40 AM. Donald's legacy of service and integrity will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.