Gene Allen Sommerville

Gene Allen Sommerville passed away peacefully on September 4th, 2021 surrounded by his loving family at the age of 81.

He was born in Greenville, Indiana, where he spent most of the last 40 years of his life.  He was very proud of the log home that he built there, and was easily persuaded to give tours when asked. 

His favorite place of all was the barn on his property where he would spend endless hours tinkering or simply sitting enjoying the breeze. 

Gene was highly intelligent; he always had a story to tell or a piece of information that he had stored in his brain.  He freely gave from that storehouse if given any sign of interest.

Gene was an avid lover of animals and had many over the years.  He also loved babies, bouncing them on his knee as he sang his own little made up tune.  

Gene graduated from New Albany High School in 1958 and earned his Bachelors Degree In Civil Engineering in 1963, and his Masters of Science Degree in 1965 from the University of Cincinnati.  After graduating  in the top ten of his class, Gene worked as an engineer for the Army Corps of Engineers for over four decades, receiving many commendations for his service.  Gene completed his career in Iraq, where he served for one year as a civilian engineer in 2008. 

Gene is preceded in death by his father John E. Sommerville, his mother Inez Stiles Sommerville, brothers Jimmy Sommerville, Bobby Sommerville, Jerry Sommerville, Charlie Sommerville, and sisters Roseann Weir, and DeeDee Williams.  

He leaves to cherish his memory Martha Sommerville to whom he was married 42 years, his sister Linda Downs, a son Randy Sommerville (Shannon), a daughter Heather Unger (Yancy), grandchildren Ashley Judd (Chris), Brandon Sommerville (fiancé Jessi), Isaac Black, Ryan Sommerville, Amelia Unger, and two great grandchildren Olive and Runi Judd. 

An open house will be held in his honor at Loves Funeral Home, 14345 Greene St NE Palmyra, Indiana 47164 on September 18, 2021 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gene Allen Sommerville, please visit our floral store.