Christian Sommers

Christian Sommers, 92, of Dover, went home to be with his heavenly father, surrounded by his loving family, on April 7, 2017 at the Inn at Northwood in Dover following a period of declining health.

Born in Barrs Mill on August 2, 1924, he was the son of the late William Arletus and Nellie (Hochstetler) Sommers.

As a young student at Barrs Mill one room school house, Christian met his future wife, the former Mabel Marie Rody. After completing his formal education, he married Mabel on March 2, 1947 in Barrs Mill Church of God, and recently celebrated 70 years of marriage.

Christian was a 39-year employee in the dairy industry working at the former Cappeldale Dairy in Dover and also Superior Dairy in Canton. He was also an active and devoted member of Dover Foursquare Gospel Church the past 70 years.

As a young adult, he greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing. Later in life, he became an avid Cleveland Cavaliers, Browns, and Indians fan and enjoyed watching sports of all kinds. Most importantly, he loved to support his children and grandchildren in their endeavors. He also enjoyed vacationing with his family.

He will be long remembered for his quiet, loving nature. Most importantly, he deeply loved his family and being together with them.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Mabel; his children, Linda (Dave) Dessecker, Sharon (Gary) Barnhart, and Rodney (Lisa) Sommers, all of Dover; his grandchildren, Rob (Heidi) Dessecker, Shellie (Steve) Class, Jeremy (Tiffany) Barnhart, Jared (Georgia) Barnhart, Anjalee Dreher, Ashlyn (Tim) Buehler, Ben, Brandon, and Brooke Sommers; great-grandchildren, Brittany Orr, Emma Dessecker, and Micah, Ellie and Cooper Barnhart; and Ayralynn Buehler; and his sister, Catherine Reiger.

In addition to his parents, Christian was preceded in passing by his brother, Ralph; and his sister, Orpha Yoder.

Visitation will be held in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover on Tuesday from 5 to 8 PM. A service celebrating Christian’s life will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday at 10:30 AM with Pastors Dennis Shearer and David Wing officiating. Burial will follow at Dover Burial Park. A luncheon will follow the committal service at the Wing Center of the Foursquare Gospel Church.

Memorial contributions to Dover Foursquare Gospel Church, 302 E Slingluff Ave., Dover, OH 44622, or Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.