Charles Sommars, 88, of Chanute died Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013 at Chanute Healthcare with his family by his side.

Charles was born in Perry, Okla., on June 14, 1924, the son Albert and Helena Benke Sommars. On Nov. 15, 1952 he married Twila Dill at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Chanute. He proudly served his country in WWII as a tail gunner for the Army’s 8th Air Corps 490th Bomb Group 851st Squadron.

He and his wife farmed and had a cattle operation south of Chanute until his retirement. Charles was a 4th degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus in Chanute. He was also a member of the American Legion Boerstler-May Post 170 and VFW Post #1654 in Chanute.

Charles is survived by his wife, Twila, of the home; one son, Steven and Arlene Sommars of Wheaton, Ill.; two daughters, Carol and Jim Roberts of Pittsburg, and Marlene and Dan Spence of Weir; seven grandchildren, Tim Sommars, Lori Sommars, Jeff Sommars, DJ (Jennifer) Spence, Katy Spence, Nealy Bordin, and Josh (Chasa) Roberts; one sister, Mary Sommars of Chanute; one brother, Louis (Edna) Sommars of Godfrey, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one grandson, Seth Roberts.

Rosary was Tuesday at St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. today, Jan. 16 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the St. Patrick Cemetery.

Memorials in his name may be made to St. Patrick Church or St. Jude’s Research Hospital and may be left with the funeral home.

Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

To leave a special message for the family on-line, visit www.PenwellGabelChanute.com.