Darrell W. Sommers

Darrell Wade Sommers passed into the presence of the Lord on October 19th. He was born in Alliance, Ohio on October 1, 1943, and grew up on a farm in Lousiville. He attended Louisville High School, playing varsity basketball and baseball, and graduated in 1961. He briefly attended Bluffton University and then graduated from Malone University in 1965. He went on to earn a Masters degree from the University of Akron in 1974.

He was employed by Lake and Marlington Schools, working as a beloved teacher, basketball coach, guidance counselor, and administrator for over 30 years. He ended his career as an academic advisor at Malone University. His playful rapport with students made him a favorite, and he was liked and admired by coworkers for his problem-solving skills and professionalism. You knew you were someone extra special in his life if he bestowed upon you a nickname. 

Darrell spent many joyful years playing softball and was inducted into the Greater Canton Slow Pitch Softball Hall of Fame in 2006. He even continued to play into his 50s with the Canton Masters Baseball team. He also coached his sons’ Little League baseball teams at Holly Hills in Plain Township.

Darrell was raised in the Mennonite church and in a home where faith and serving the Lord was always a priority. In fact, one of his first dates with his future wife was taking her to his church. He later joined Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church where they were marrried and worshiped with their young sons. After moving to Canton they joined Holy Trinity Lutheran Church with their sons and he served in various capacities in the church ministry. Many wonderful lasting friendships were first formed there in that body of believers. He was a member of the Chapel in North Canton for over 20 years, blessed with a wonderful group of men with whom he studied God’s Word. He most recently worshiped at The Chapel in Green until his declining health made it no longer possible. Sunday morning he would listen to two services: one on his radio and the other with BessAnn from the chapel. He had quiet time each morning in his home office with His Lord, reading his devotional Daily Bread and praying. The Lord was the center of their home where hymns were joyfully sung, worship music played, the Word read and scriptures held in his heart were spoken, and above all prayers flowed as he often held hands with BessAnn as they prayed together. 

Darrell was a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club for nearly 10 years and looked forward to seeing his buddies every Monday. He also started a Friday morning fellowship breakfast with his brothers, close friends and special invited guests. He valued the importance of continuing contact with family and friends over the years. His family would like to thank his faithful friends who continued to visit him through the progression of his illness: Phil Horrisberger, Randy Reed, Fred Reolfi, Jim Kotagides, Jim Sabin, Ray Johnson, Bob Raber, Phil Christman, Dave Lundquist, John Ptaszek, Mark Schuller, Rick Haverstock, Paul Snyder, Mark Hufhand, Mark Keckler, and Chris Toedt. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ira Jay and Amanda Sommers; father and mother-in-law Elton Ross and Annetta Arris; sister Mary Hochstetler; brother James E. Sommers; and daughter-in-law Christina Judith Sommers. He leaves behind his loving wife BessAnn Arris Sommers whom he adored, and married on July 17, 1976; his devoted, caring sons Ross Wade (Lisa) Sommers and Logan Jay Sommers; grandchildren Caleb Ross and Adalyn Judith Sommers, and Preston and Claudia Schrock, brothers Lee (Sue) Sommers, and Lorin (Claudia) Sommers; sister Verda Eichelberger; sister-in law Carolyn Sommers, brother-in-law Donald Hochstetler; brother and sister-in-law Andrew and Sara Arris Smith; and many special nieces and nephews. 

A memorial service will be officiated by hospice Chaplain Lenny McKinney at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home in Uniontown on Thursday, October 24th at 2:30 pm. Calling hours will take place prior to service from 1 pm to 2:30pm. Private interment will take place at Uniontown Greenlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse (https://www.samaritanspurse.org/). 

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16 NLT