John Paul Sommers, a longtime resident of Bethesda, MD passed away October 5, 2017. John was a kind, caring, independent person who championed liberal values and respect for the rights and dignity of all peoples. He was much loved and respected by his family and his many friends. Born and raised in Victoria, Texas, he learned early the importance of hard work, integrity, and respect for others as a paperboy throwing a morning paper, The Victorian Advocate, and at the age of 16 began working the early morning shift in the Circulation Office of the paper, a job he held throughout high school. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Science degree in Mathematical Statistics from Texas Tech University, and later a PH. D in Mathematical Statistics from Southern Methodist University. While at The University of Texas at Austin, John met and fell in love with his life partner and devoted wife, Evelyn Dugan Sommers. John and Evelyn shared many life interests, including a love for birds and animals, long nature walks, travel, and all the arts (especially art museums, classical music, and the opera). John put his love of classical music into practice by taking up the piano late in life. Playing basketball was always a love, and as an adult John continued as an avid player of pick-up basketball until his legs and feet could no longer take the pounding. John worked as an actuary, and naval and electronics analyst before joining the Bureau of Labor Statistics. He later moved to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality where he served until his retirement. Bird watching was a lifelong interest and hobby to John and Evelyn which they combined with numerous domestic and international trips, many of which were centered around their bird watching and wildlife interest. This broad interest and curiosity lead to a love for the continent of Africa and country of Kenya. After learning from their tour guide and friend that the construction of a school would have the greatest positive impact on his tiny village of South Kinangop, Kenya, they supported the school in years since- imparting a lasting impact to many children in the village. John was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn Dugan Sommers; his parents, Fred and Janie Sommers; sister Mary Margaret Sommers; and sister-in-law Andrianna Dugan. He is survived by his brothers Fred Sommers and his wife, Erica James of Toronto, Canada, Martin Sommers of Dallas, TX and James Sommers and his wife, Chrissy of Hingham, MA; brother-in-law Jack Dugan of Dallas, TX and by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their offspring. John's nieces, nephews and their spouses are, Derek Sommers of Toronto, Canada; Claire Sommers of Randolph, MA; Kate Sommers Herdejurgen and her husband Seann of Colorado Springs, CO; and Emma, Richard and Mark Sommers of Hingham, MA; Cristina Dugan Schmidt and her husband Eric of Denver, CO; Sherry Kent Burgeson and her husband Jim of Austin, TX; and Jim Kent of Coleman, TX. A memorial service celebrating John's life will be held at Glenview Mansion, 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville, MD on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 12 noon, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family request consideration of a donation to the YMCA-National Capital Area or to a charity of your choice. If you would like to donate to St. Bernard Secondary School in South Kinangop, Kenya, please contact his niece Cristina Dugan.

Memorial Service

NOV 4. 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Glenview Mansion 603 Edmonston Drive Rockville, MD, 20851