John Edward Somerville, 85

John Edward Somerville, 85, of Clarksville, Del., passed away Sunday, June 21, 2009, at home, surrounded by his family, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Born in Ohio, he was instilled with the Midwest-farmer work ethic and deep pride for his country. He excelled in sports and academics and developed an interest in flying.

At the start of World War II, he immediately enlisted and was selected for fighter-pilot training. He was ultimately stationed in France, where he flew support for Gen. George Patton’s 3rd Army, flying a P-478 in troop support on missions in the Battle of the Bulge. He always felt strongly that Patton was the best Allied general in the war. For his heroic contributions, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters and numerous other awards and commendations.

After the war, he returned to Dover, Del., marrying and starting a family. While serving in the ANG and attaining the rank of major, he began his career as an automotive mechanic and quickly rose through the dealer service organization to become a district service manager. He moved to a Ford dealership as sales and truck manager; then accepted a position as regional service manager for Volkswagen, Porsche and Audi in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Later he worked for Maremont Corp., where again his excellent technical skills and ability to work with people allowed him to excel.

Somerville returned to the shore and enjoyed the freedom of boating, fishing, participating in both the P-47 pilots’ association and the Honor Guard at his local VFW in Ocean View, Del.

After losing his beloved first wife to cancer, he later married his second wife, Dorothy Theriault, and they were the proud proprietors of Somerhouse Antiques in Clarksville, Del. He rediscovered his passion for life and two large families blended. He will be remembered by many for his technical abilities, business savvy, love for the nation and providing the freedom that Americans enjoy today.

Along with his wife, Dorothy, Somerville is survived by his children, Nancy Hall and her husband, William, of Ocean View, Del., Michael Somerville and his wife, Marsha, of Bowling Green, Ky., Gail McKinney and her husband, Jack, of Wilmington, Del., Mark Theriault and his wife, Dawn, of Clarksville, Rhonda Tingle of Millsboro, Del., Chip Theriault and his wife, Lesley, of High Pointe, N.C.; 13 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

A memorial service with military honors was scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, 2009, with interment in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro, Del. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in his memory to VFW Post #7234, Quillen’s Point, PO Box 91, Ocean View, DE 19970.