Charles (Chuck) A. Somers Jr., Major, USAF, Retired, of Hayden, Idaho, passed away Dec. 7, 2023, at the age of 87. Born on Aug. 6, 1936, in Oakville, Conn., to Charles Somers Sr. and Thelma (Smith) Somers of Bellmawr, N.J. Charles was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Joseph Somers. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Janice Somers, son Charles Somers III of Coeur d’Alene, and daughter Cheryl Sperandio, Rochester, N.Y., and Christine Cahoon, Post Falls, Idaho, grandchildren Eric (Brittany) Somers, San Diego, Calif., Max (Chelsea) Cahoon, Post Falls, Maggie (Zac) Cahoon-Black, Post Falls, Philip (Jessica) Sperandio, Rochester, N.Y., and Madeline Sperandio, Norfolk, Va., and many great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as many close lifetime friends.

Chuck was born into a family of railroaders and ministers and spent his early years in Oakville, Conn., Roxbury, N.Y., Philadelphia, Pa., and Camden, N.J. Although Chuck’s father, a train conductor, had high hopes of him becoming a minister, Chuck graduated from Asbury College in Wilmore, Ky., in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. During college and for a short time, Chuck worked as a freight conductor on the Pennsylvania Railroad in Philadelphia. He joined the New Jersey National Guard and then the Army Reserves Railroad Battalion.

On Dec. 26, 1962, Chuck was commissioned in the United States Air Force and served as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer, Minuteman Combat Crew Commander, and Squadron Operations Officer. He completed a tour in Vietnam (Da Nang), during which he supported the South Vietnamese Laotian operation to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail. He also provided essential service primarily for F-4 Phantom operations of the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Other assignments included Malmstrom AFB, Great Falls, Mont., and Volkel AFB in Uden, Holland. It was during his time at Malmstrom AFB that Chuck met and married Janice, the love of his life. Chuck retired from the Air Force on Aug. 31, 1982, and settled in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

During his lifetime, Chuck enjoyed bowling, model railroading, bike riding, downhill skiing, fishing and, at one-time, hunting. He loved traveling, as long as Jan was with him, and he never minded other family and friends joining them on their excursions/adventures. Chuck and Jan traveled around the United States for five years after retiring, until he was diagnosed with RA (attributed to Agent Orange exposure). He was a member of The American Legion of Rathdrum and a life member of MOAA. Chuck loved to talk to everyone everywhere he went. There was no hurrying when going places with him.

A graveside service for Chuck will be held at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens on Dec. 21, 2023, at 10 a.m.

Bell Tower Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.