Dr. Kenneth Donald Somers

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Kenneth Donald Somers, beloved husband to Elizabeth Anne Ponstein Somers, father, and grandfather, who left us peacefully on March 22, 2025, at the age of 87. The eldest son of Leonard Laverne Somers and Wallivena Lummen Somers Boddy of Grand Rapids, MI, he was predeceased by his brother John Herbert Somers (Judy Somers) of Fremont, MI and is survived by his younger brother Leonard Earl Somers (Carol Somers) of Hudsonville, MI, his children Dr. Kara Elizabeth Somers, of Richmond, VA; Dr. Lynn Marie Somers (John Hayes Davis), of Chatham, NJ; and Christopher Kenneth Somers, of Philadelphia, PA., his grandchildren Lynn Christine Cutter Morris (Kyle Wesley Morris), of Jupiter, FL; Dr. Zachary Samuel Cutter (Madelyn Eubanks Cutter), of Richmond, VA; Tymen Joseph Cutter, of Wilmington, NC; and Sophie Elizabeth Davis and Margriet Louise Davis, of Chatham, NJ and his two great-granddaughters, Samantha Lorelei Morris and Lily Elizabeth Cutter, as well as a large extended family in Michigan.

Born on March 2, 1938, in Fremont, Michigan, Kenneth Somers was a gentle soul whose wisdom, kindness, grace, and generosity left an indelible mark on everyone he met. As a devoted husband to Beth, their 63-year marriage was a testament to the strength of their loving bond and commitment. Passionate about his family and friends, a brilliant scientist, and the quintessential romantic, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

As a father, Ken was both a guide and a friend, offering unwavering love and encouragement to his surviving children. His example, through both words and actions, shaped them into the people they are today, and his legacy of patience, compassion, and integrity will live on through them.

As a grandfather, Kenneth was a beacon of light in the lives of his grandchildren. His presence brought comfort and joy, and his stories, unassuming wisdom, and wit were cherished by all whose lives he touched. His affection for his grandchildren and great grandchildren knew no bounds, and he delighted in watching them grow, offering endless love and support.

In every role he played, Ken was known for his intelligence, warmth, and humor. Devoted to a life of benevolence to others, he had an inquisitive mind and an empathetic heart, and his capacity to engage with others made him a trusted friend to many. His humility and grace were unmatched, and he modeled those qualities in profound service to those around him.

A virologist and cancer researcher, Dr. Somers earned degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Chicago and completed post-doctoral cancer research at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. Ken’s research and teaching career at Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Va., culminated in over 70 research publications and two books on microbiology and infectious disease. He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, a member of the American Society for Microbiology, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Sigma Xi. He retired as a Professor Emeritus from Eastern Virginia Medical School in 2003, where, over his 30-year tenure, he received teaching awards and accolades and was a universally favorite mentor to countless medical and graduate students, including his former son-in-law, Dr. Douglas Nathan Cutter of Richmond, VA.

His lifelong passions included the Michigan Wolverines, rooting for the Chicago Cubs, running, swimming, reading and writing, guitar, singing in choirs, and spending summers in retirement on Lake Michigan.

A memorial service followed by a reception to honor Dr. Kenneth Donald Somers will be held at The Brandermill Church 4500 Millridge Pkwy Midlothian, VA 23112 on June 14, 2025, at 2 p.m.

His final resting place will be at Beaverdam Cemetery in Zeeland, MI.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the EVMS Foundation (https://evmsfoundation.org/where-to-give/), the Turner Syndrome Society of the United States (https://www.turnersyndrome.org/) and the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org) or to the local Society of Cancer’s Relay for Life of South Hampton Roads, an event he participated in (https://acsevents.org).