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 Allen Mortuaries.