Ray Richard Sommer, 87, of Topeka, Kansas, formerly of Alma, Kansas, passed away on August 13, 2024, at Stormont Vail Health Hospital in Topeka.
Ray was born on April 6, 1937, in Alma, where he spent his childhood surrounded by a loving family. Ray was the son of Harvey Sommer and Lillian (Metzger).
Ray proudly served in the Kansas Army National Guard as a Light Vehicle Driver and Construction Machine Operator for 6 years after attending St. John Lutheran School in Alma. His dedication earned him Marksman and Sharpshooter accolades on the Carbine Rifle.
Ray was a dedicated oil truck driver and oil gauger for Texaco Inc., with an impressive record of 500K miles. His work ethic and commitment to excellence were unmatched as he served Texaco Inc. for 35 years before retiring in 1998. His passion for driving extended beyond retirement as he continued to work with Meier Industries LLC, hauling rock, sand, and dirt.
Ray was a member of the Golden Rule Lodge No. 90 Masonic Lodge in Topeka. He actively participated in the Arab Shriners in Topeka, supporting Shriners Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, for a decade.
Ray married Lazon Aldinger on August 16, 1986, in El Dorado, Kansas.
Despite his busy schedule, Ray always found time for his family. He cherished moments boating and camping with his beloved wife, creating countless memories in their collection of boats and campers. Their favorite location to visit was Tucson, Arizona, where they found peace and joy in nature's beauty. He was a dutiful lawn maintainer on his ride on mower. His garage was his sanctuary, where he tinkered and imparted valuable lessons to his children on vehicle maintenance.
In his personal life, Ray was known for his hardworking nature and unwavering dedication to his family. Ray will be deeply missed by his surviving family: his wife Lazon Sommer; his four children, Ronda Kraus (LeRoy), Rodney Sommer (Janet), Earl Pinkston Jr. (Becky), and Tina Lonnis; his nine grandchildren, Tami Creek-Galyean (Montana), Coltyn Lonnis, Earl "Denny" Pinkston III (Betsy), Jesse Zercher (Carrie), Kathleen Kelsey (Andy), Daniel Kraus, Courtney Gruetzmacher (Brandon), Ashton Bigger (Megan), and Kymberly Siemens; and his siblings Robert Sommer, Marlis Daaq, and Edward Sommer.
He was predeceased by his parents, sister Donna Reuter, and grandchild Michael Stava-Creek, aunts, and uncles.
Funeral services will be held on August 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego, Kansas, with Reverend Robert Grimm officiating. Burial will follow at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Alma with Military Honors by the Kansas Army National Guard Funeral Honors Detail and the Alma American Legion Post No. 32.
Visitation will be on August 19, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home in Wamego.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Shriners Children's St. Louis, and those may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS, 66547.