Raymond Charles Somers

Ray Somers, 88, passed away peacefully in the presence
of family on Dec 7, 2005. He was a member of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Ray was
born on Nov 28, 1917 to George and Malinda Somers in
Garland UT. When he was 11, his father passed away
suddenly and Ray and his brothers worked to help their
mother make a living. Ray labored on the family farm,
in the beet fields, and delivered newspapers. After
graduating from High School, he attended the
Agricultural College in Logan and worked sweeping
floors in Old Main. He repaired radios and worked
summers on the railroad to earn money for college.
He met the beautiful Josephine Harris of Richmond and
they were married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1942.
During WWII, Ray served in the Navy in the Radio
Technician program. Ray and Jo returned to Logan and
purchased a building on West Center Street to open a
radio and coin equipment repair business. He later
expanded his business and named it Somers Music. Ray
learned as a youngster to work hard and manage his
money wisely, which enabled him to build a successful
business in hard times. He ran his business for over
53 years and his technical skills evolved with
technology from vacuum tubes, to transistors, to
microprocessors.
In 1963 he put a small bid on a large run-down old
fraternity house at 290 West Center. He easily won the
auction, being the only bidder. Over the next 30
years, he designed, built, and handcrafted each room
resulting in a masterpiece and the home of his dreams.
From his youth, Ray had an interest in preserving the
past. As a young boy, he compiled an oral history from
his grandmother. This interest was resumed in his
later years as he compiled and published history
books. A highlight of his many achievements was
receiving the Distinguished Service Award in 2002 from
Utah State University.
He is survived by his children Susan
(Donald) Speth, Sondra (Ken) Thorell, Richard (Pam)
Somers, and Stephanie (Todd) Fronberg. He was preceded
in death by his wife, Josephine, grandson, David
Thorell, and great-grandson, Cody Smothermon.
Funeral services will be held at 12 Noon on
Wednesday, Dec 14, 2005 at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34
E. Center in Logan. A viewing will be held on Tuesday
evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, and on Wednesday from
10:30 to 11:45 AM prior to the services. Internment
will be in Richmond City Cemetery. Condolences may be
sent to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net .