Obituary
January 08, 2010
Obituaries
Maynard Elston Sommer
Maynard Elston Sommer, a resident of Springville, California, passed away on January 4, 2010 after being diagnosed with a brain tumor on October 1, 2009. All of Maynard’s friends are encouraged to join his family as we celebrate his life at River Island Country Club on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 2 p.m.
Maynard was born on May 6, 1932 in Tulare and was raised in Woodville. Growing up, Maynard was a member of the local 4-H Club, Future Farmers of America, and enjoyed all sports, especially playing baseball, golf and football.
After graduating from Porterville Union High School, Maynard enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in the Korean War. Upon returning from Korea, Maynard married his longtime sweetheart Mary Lou Wilson on June 19, 1953. They lived on base at Camp Pendleton, where he served as an MP.
After the Marine Corps Maynard attended Porterville Community College, Fresno State and UC Davis, where he completed his Master’s Degree. In 1967, the family moved to Camarillo, where Maynard was instrumental in the development of the Animal Husbandry program at Moorpark Community College and was a member of the founding faculty. Throughout his 20 years of service in the Ventura County Community College District, Maynard transitioned from teaching at Moorpark College to his last position as vice-chancellor at the District Office.
Maynard was an active member of Las Posas County Club, where he served as president and participated in many committees. Upon retirement Maynard and Mary Lou moved back to Porterville, where he continued his love of golf at River Island Country Club.
Maynard loved being outdoors, whether it was duck hunting, fishing, or on a mountain man rendezvous. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and Ducks Unlimited. When he wasn’t having fun outdoors, Maynard also enjoyed spending time with his three children and their families.
Maynard was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Irene Sommer. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary Lou Sommer; sister Marcia (Richard) Reed of Porterville; son Michael (Anitra) Sommer of Santa Paula; son Kraig (Angela) Sommer of Newbury Park; daughter Kathy Sommer of Fresno; grandchildren Kirstin, Kyle, Erik and Spencer and step-grandchildren Michael and Matthew; and numerous other loving family members.
In lieu of flowers, Maynard would appreciate a donation to a charity such as the Porterville Museum, Camp Nelson Conservatory, Ducks Unlimited, American Cancer Society or Hospice.
