Charles Alfred Somers Jr.

Charles (Chuck) A. Somers Jr, Major, USAF, Retired, of Hayden, ID, passed away December 7, 2023, at
the age of 87. Born August 6, 1936, in Oakville, CT, to Charles Somers Sr and Thelma (Smith) Somers
of Bellmawr, NJ. Charles was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Joseph Somers. He is survived
by his loving wife of 53 years, Janice Somers, son Charles Somers III of Coeur d’Alene, daughters Cheryl
Sperandio, Rochester, NY, and Christine Cahoon, Post Falls, ID, grandchildren Eric (Brittany) Somers,
San Diego, CA, Max (Chelsea) Cahoon, Post Falls, Maggie (Zac) Cahoon-Black, Post Falls, Philip
(Jessica) Sperandio, Rochester, NY, and Madeline Sperandio, Norfolk, VA, and many great-
grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as many close lifetime friends.

Chuck was born into a family of railroaders and ministers and spent his early years in Oakville, CT,
Roxbury, NY, Philadelphia, PA, and Camden, NJ. Although Chuck’s father, a train conductor, had high
hopes of him becoming a minister, Chuck graduated from Asbury College in Wilmore, KY, in 1958 with
a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. During college and for a short time after, Chuck worked as a freight
conductor on the Pennsylvania Railroad in Philadelphia. He joined the New Jersey National Guard and
then the Army Reserves Railroad Battalion.

On December 26, 1962, Chuck was commissioned in the United States Air Force and served as an
Aircraft Maintenance officer, Minuteman Combat Crew Commander, and Squadron Operations Officer.
He completed a tour in Vietnam (Da Nang) during which he supported the South Vietnamese Laotian
operation to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail and he provided essential service primarily for F-4 Phantom
operations of the 366 th Tactical Fighter Wing. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of
Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medial. Other assignments
included Malmstrom AFB, Great Falls, MT, and Volkel AFB in Uden, Holland. It was during his time at
Malmstrom AFB that Chuck met and married Janice, the love of his life. Chuck retired from the Air Force
on August 31, 1982, and settled in Coeur d’ Alene, ID.

During his lifetime, Chuck enjoyed bowling, model railroading, bike riding, downhill skiing, fishing, and
at one time hunting. He loved traveling, as long Jan was with him, and he never minded other family and
friends joining them on their excursions/adventures. Chuck and Jan traveled around the United States for
five years after retiring, until he was diagnosed with RA (attributed to Agent Orange exposure). He was a
member of The American Legion of Rathdrum and a life member of MOAA. Chuck loved to talk to
everyone everywhere he went. There was no hurrying when going places with him.

A graveside service for Chuck will be held at Coeur d’ Alene Memorial Gardens on December 21, 2023,
at 10:00 a.m.