Robert Clayton "Bob" Sommers, 89, of Topeka passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024 at the home of his son, Brian Sommers. He was born on March 29, 1934 in Ellsworth, KS, the son of Clayton and Amalia (Brenner) Sommers.
Bob grew up in Ellsworth, KS and graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1952. He continued his education at Kansas University, graduating from Kansas State University, in 1956, with a degree in Architectural Engineering. He was a lifelong "Wildcat!" Following graduation, he served in the Army Reserves.
In 1959 he joined the consulting engineering firm of Burgess, Latimer, Miller (later Latimer Sommers and Associates) as an architectural engineer. Bob married Carol L. McCosh at Grace Episcopal Cathedral in Topeka on August 22, 1963. To this union was born Brian M. Sommers (Raena), Topeka, KS, Sarah J. Sommers - Trent (Duane), Berthoud, CO and Aaron P. Sommers (Michelle), Rome GA. Carol passed away on August 12, 2008 after 44 years of marriage.
On June 10th, 2011, Bob married Jacqueline Rogers. She survives of the home. They enjoyed 12 happy years together.
Bob had many hobbies, including, snow skiing, sailing, golfing, tennis, gardening and working at his "pasture." He was instrumental, with his professional skills, in the re-building of Grace Episcopal Cathedral after the fire of 1975, which destroyed most of the church.
Bob was a 55 year member of Civitan Topeka and a 60 year member of Grace Episcopal Cathedral Choir (1959-2019).
Bob is survived by his children; sister, Joyce Patterson, Marysville, KS, niece, Audrey Pilsl (Joe), Marysville KS, seven grandchildren (Thayne Miller, Danyon Miller, Kyle Sommers, Ely Renzelman, Jacob Renzelman, Liam Sommers and Amalia Sommers), one great niece and three great nephews.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Grace Episcopal Cathedral. Private inurnment will be held at the Chapel of the Resurrection, Grace Episcopal Cathedral Columbarium, following the service. A reception will follow the service in All Saints Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Civitan Topeka Rod Kelley Scholarships at Washburn University, for special needs students, PO Box 1204, Topeka, KS 66601 or Grace Episcopal Cathedral Choir, c/o Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 8th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66604.
Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. is assisting the family with service arrangements.
To leave the family a special message online, please visit www.DoveTopeka.com.