WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Rev. David Gordon Somers, age 76, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at his home in Bristol, Indiana.
David was born on February 24, 1950 in Detroit to Philip and Jeanne Somers. He met Robin, his wife, at Gitche Gumee Bible Camp. They married in 1975 and celebrated 50 years together.
David passionately served in the ministry for 47 years, and his pastoral heart is what he is most remembered for. Throughout his life, he shepherded at Gingellville Baptist Church (Auburn Hills, MI.), Westwood Baptist Church (Cincinnati), Five Points Community Church (Auburn Hills), Union Lake Baptist Church (Commerce Twp., MI.), Trinity Baptist Church (Grand Rapids), and First Baptist Church of Vassar (Vassar, MI.).
After retirement, he continued to serve the Lord by teaching, mentoring, filling the pulpit, and singing in the choir at Porter Baptist Church (Constantine). David was a man of God’s Word. He loved the Bible and knew it like the back of his hand. He boldly proclaimed the Gospel and never missed an opportunity to befriend a stranger to tell them about the hope of Christ.
Being a dedicated father, he made time for his children and encouraged them to faithfully follow the Lord. Dave always had a joke ready. Goofiness could be expected in any conversation. He loved greeting his grandkids with a cheerful, “Hello, Beetlebum!” Dave believed in working hard, whether at work or whittling away in his tool shed. He was the family handyman. If something needed to be fixed or built, Dave was called. Often, he could be found with his wife antiquing and helping with her antique business. Dave was a dreamer. He restored several classic cars and dreamt of restoring a 1935 Ford pickup truck. Dave loved his country. He proudly honored his country and encouraged others to do so, too. He was always reading a history book, and if you wanted to know anything about the American Civil War, he was the man. If you walked into Dave’s study, you would enter into the world of the 16th U.S. President through his collection of Abraham Lincoln memorabilia. After a long day, he could often be found snacking on peanut butter.
David is preceded in death by his parents, brother Rev. Alan (Judith) Somers, and sister-in-law Ardith (Philip) Somers.
David is survived by his wife, Robin, his brother Rev. Philip Somers, his sister-in-law Judith (Alan) Somers, and his sister Nancy (Matt) Smith. He also leaves his three children, Jennifer (David) Lanzen, Paul (Stephanie) Somers, and Andrea (Jory) Trim. His memory is cherished by his grandchildren Leannah Lanzen, Kaylen (Benjamin) Carlson, Ashley Lanzen, Kiersten Lanzen, Elijah Somers, Evelyn Somers, Glory Somers, William Z. Somers, Malachi Trim, and Eleanor Trim. David was also eagerly awaiting the birth of his first great-grandchild.
Visitation and services will be held at Porter Baptist Church – 12032 Teasdale Lake Street, Constantine. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, April 21, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m and Wednesday, April 22, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. A funeral service will be held at the same location at 11:00 on Wednesday, April 22.
He is deeply loved and deeply missed — but we rejoice knowing he is now in the presence of the Savior he spent his life proclaiming.
Arrangements by Eley Funeral Homes.
