Donald H. Somes
October 16, 1929 ~ June 11, 2021
Donald H. Somes, 91, passed away Friday, June 11, 2021. He was born October 16, 1929, in Chicago IL, the son of Henry and Alice Somes. He is predeceased by his sister, Lorna, and son, John. Don graduated from Morgan Park High School in Chicago, IL, and attended Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, IN. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1952 where he became a fighter pilot obtaining the rank of Captain flying the F9F Panther Jet in Korea. Don also flew many other military aircraft including the A-1 Skyraider, F8F Bearcat, SNJ-5’S, L-19 Bird Dog as well as many other general aviation aircraft as a lifelong aviator. In 1954, he married Joan Marie Collister. Don followed his passion for airplanes moving to Wichita, Kansas where he worked as an engineer for Cessna Aircraft for 35 years. His family was everything to him! Married 67 years, Don and Joan were best friends. They raised their seven children in a household filled with much love and faith. Both attended Mass daily. Don’s love of the outdoors began when he joined the Boy Scouts at age 12. He became an Eagle Scout, Scout Master and participated in campouts into his eighties. Many family camping outings and vacations instilled in all his kids a love of nature and the outdoors. Don was soft spoken, patient, humble and kind. He was content to listen versus talking and had a wicked dry sense of humor. Don is survived by his wife, Joan; six children, Lynn Marsh (Wally) of Ankeny, IA, Scott Somes (Christie) of Avon, CO, Kim Diederich (Gene) of St. Louis, MO, Brad Somes (Cathy) of Goddard, KS, Dan Somes (Beverly) of Lindale, TX, and Nancy Korroch of Wichita, KS. He is also survived by 29 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Rosary will be at 10:00 am, Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am, Friday, June 18, 2021, both at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Family will greet friends in the Parish Hall immediately following the funeral. A private burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Blessed Sacrament Parish Memorial Fund, 124 N. Roosevelt St., Wichita, KS 67208; or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 N. Market, Wichita, KS 67202. Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
Semper Fidelis Don!
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Scott, by chance I happened to see your Dad’s obituary here and was compelled to reach out to you. My condolences to you and your family. It’s always tough losing a parent no matter how long they lived. In our Christian faith, allow God to give you peace knowing that you will see your Dad again someday. I offer this, that as time moves on from this sad day…hopefully you’ll focus more on his life and good memories than on his death. After reading about your Dad here, I can see how you were the disciplined young man you were back when I knew you. Coincidentally, my Dad died 25 years ago on June 11th.
Thank you, Mark, good to hear from you again. Your comments ring true with me …so many great memories of Dad over the years, including the road trips to GC to see us. He taught all his children so many valuable life lessons as I’m sure your Dad did too. Appreciate your comments – s
Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni. Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever. Thank you Donald for your service to this nation. U.S. Marine Corps, Korean War.