Marcel "Buddy" William Sommer

Marcel William "Buddy" Sommer, 94, passed away at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas on Feb. 26, 2016. He was born in Brownsville, Texas on November 28th, 1921. He was a graduate of Brownsville High School, Class of 1939. He joined the United States Army Air Corps as part of the 8th Air Force on January 27, 1941 at Fort Sam Houston, serving as Technical Sargent in the European Theatre in the positions of Radio Operator, Mechanic and Aerial Gunner in his B-17 Squadron's Lead Aircraft. He was in the Air Offensive over Europe, Normandy, Northern France, and Germany Campaigns. He was decorated with 4 Bronze Battle Stars, The Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, American Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorable discharged on May 21st, 1945.

Buddy was proprietor of Sommer's Furniture Company, established in Brownsville in 1917, and operated until 1989.

His parents Oscar and Laura Sommer, his brothers David and Sidney Sommer, and his sisters Mildred Whitman, Sylvia Gershowitz, and Ray Leonard precede him in death.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Soundra Joan Herbert Sommer, a sister, Shirley Supovitz ( husband Edwin), his three sons, Danny, Mitchell ( wife Jennifer), and Stephen of Brownsville and San Benito, his five grandchildren, Amanda Stambaugh ( husband Anthony), Kayleigh, Pauley, Sydney, and Trevor Sommer, and his great-grandson Luke Stambaugh.

Buddy was a member of the Temple Beth El congregation in Brownsville, Texas, as well as a Past Master of the Brownsville Masonic Lodge #81.

Pallbearers are Danny Sommer, Mitchell Sommer, Stephen Sommer, Trevor Sommer, Ross Korngut, and Richard Whitman.

Honorary Pallbearers are Frank Yturria, Fred Korngut, Larry Holtzman, Roy Reed, Anthony Stambaugh, Kito Holtman, Clayton Brashear, Kent Brashear and Pat Murphy.

A memorial service will be held at Darling-Mouser Funeral Home on Sunday, February 28, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. and immediately after, a burial service will be held at he Brownsville Jewish Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff of Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas for all their excellent care and superior professional support. We would also like to thank family and friends for their love and support during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Temple Beth El, 24 Coveway, Brownsville, Texas 78521

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