Richard D. Sommers Sr.

A Life Remembered with Love

On July 11th, we said goodbye to our beloved father, Richard D. Sommers—a man whose presence was larger than life, whose heart was deeper than words, and whose love defined the very foundation of our family.

There’s no easy way to capture the spirit of someone as extraordinary as Dad. He was a man of immense character, endless stories, and an even bigger heart. Some of those stories? Well… let’s just say they were colorfully told—and we never dared question the details. That was part of his magic.

Dad had a way of lighting up a room, making you laugh when you didn’t think you could, and offering comfort without needing to say much at all. He had his own language of love, like calling the little ones “Hooker Head” with a mischievous grin. It was strange and sweet all at once, so perfectly him.

He was a loving husband to our beautiful mother, Shirley Sommers. Their love was timeless, playful, enduring, and rooted in mutual respect. Even when they drove each other a little crazy, they wouldn’t have traded it for the world. The way he looked at her spoke volumes.

Together, Richard and Shirley built a strong and loving family, blessed with five children:

Richard Sommers Jr., married to Vicki Sommers

David Sommers, the eligible bachelor.

Randall Sommers, married to Rhonda Sommers

Cheryl Luft, married to Herbert “Sonny” Luft

Mary Delaney, married to Timothy Delaney

Their legacy continues through 16 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren—a growing testament to a life well-lived and deeply loved.

Dad had a tenderness about him—especially when it came to children. Whether it was letting the grandkids cover him in pin curls or proudly wearing hot pink nail polish, if it made them happy, he was all in. And somehow, he pulled it off with dignity and charm.

He was generous to a fault—always ready to lend a hand, offer support, or give the shirt off his back. He helped without hesitation, loved without conditions, and gave without expecting anything in return. His goodness spoke even louder than his stories, and that's saying something.

Though he couldn’t serve in the military due to a childhood injury, he carried a deep and unwavering love for his country. He was proud of his family’s service and honored the freedoms he held dear.

One of his greatest joys was the annual family reunion—the first Saturday in August, every year without fail. By Monday, he’d already be planning the next one. Family meant everything to him.

Most of all, Dad’s faith in God anchored him. He didn’t preach it—he lived it. Through grace, forgiveness, humility, and quiet strength, his faith was evident in all he did. It is a legacy of love that continues through each generation.

On the day God called him home—July 11th—we couldn’t help but see meaning in the numbers:

7 symbolizes spiritual completion and perfection

11 represents divine alignment and transition

It’s no coincidence. His work here was done. His story, written in love and legacy, had reached its final chapter on Earth.

Though we grieve, we also celebrate. We smile through tears. We laugh, because Dad would want that. He’d want us to keep telling his stories—maybe with a little extra flair—and to carry his love forward with joy in our hearts.

Dad lives on in each of us:

In our humor.

In our strength.

In our faith.

And in our deep love for one another.

We love you always, Dad.

Thank you for everything.

Your stories, your spirit, and your love are forever part of who we are.

Fly high, Dad.

And don’t worry… your stories are safe with us.