Jack Cecil Somerlot, age 93, of Marion, passed away on Friday, September 1, 2023, at his residence in Kingston in Marion, following a broken heart after losing his wife, Ginny, in April of 2023.
On December 13, 1929, Jack was born in Marion County at home in the family homestead, the older of two sons of the late Cecil Otis Somerlot, a farmer and clerk at the family market, and Margaret “Louise” (Tower) Somerlot, a homemaker and family caretaker.
Jack was educated in Marion, Ohio, and graduated in 1948, from Marion Harding High School. In high school, he held jobs with the Isaly Co. and the Kroger Co. During that time, he also met his bride to be, Virginia Ruth “Ginny” Somerlot, at Trinity Baptist Church during youth fellowship. This meeting grew into a lifelong love affair.
After high school, Jack began a promising career with the Kroger Company as a produce manager in Urbana, and then in Marion.
In January of 1951, Jack was drafted into the US Army. After 16 weeks of combat training at Fort Knox in Kentucky, he was sent to Korea as a machine gunner in the DOG Company of the 5th Regimental Combat Team. His unit “spearheaded” in front of the main battle line.
Prior to leaving for Korea, Jack and his soulmate, Ginny, were married on May 13, 1951. This was the beginning of almost 72 years together, raising a family of five, and providing a foundation for his family to grow. Jack was thankful for the prayers of “Ginny” and the rest of his Trinity family, bringing him home alive.
Following his honorable discharge, Jack returned home to Marion, Ohio, where becoming a Marion City Firefighter was one of his proudest achievements. He firmly believed the fire department was a service to the community, which was important along with serving God and his Country. He also partnered with his father-in-law, Assistant Fire Chief Homer “Bill” Davis, owning and operating B & J Fire Extinguishers for many years.
Very faithful, Jack enjoyed participating in his prayer meetings and Sunday School at Trinity Baptist Church. He also participated in mission trips, the church choir, and as a leader in the congregation. The Marionaires, OSU-Marion, activities, family vacations, and trips with his friends were important to him too.
Left to cherish his memory are his four children: Steve (Roxane) Somerlot, Fred (Jodi) Somerlot, Bill Somerlot, and Carol (Bill) Strause; 14 grandchildren: Kit Somerlot, Kelly Hillyer, Jeff Somerlot, Jared Somerlot, Shaun McNamara, Bryan McNamara, Greg Somerlot, Katie Clark, Staci Martin, Jake Somerlot, Julie Keaton, Jessica Strause, Aimee Blanton and Hannah Love; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Marylyn (Vance) Kelley; a brother-in-law, Dave Woessner; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including his wife and parents, Jack was preceded in death by his daughter, Alice Nungesser; and a brother, Richard Somerlot.
His family was greet friends on Saturday, September 16th from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm at the Trinity Baptist Church, 220 S. Main St., Marion. Services honoring his life and community service was followed there at 12:30 pm, with Pastor Daniel McCoy officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the Marion County United Veterans Council was be observed privately in Marion Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Greg Swepston gym renovation (Alber Gymnasium Fund #317597) in memory of Jack Somerlot. Donations may be sent to the care of the funeral home or to The Ohio State University at Marion Develop Office, 1465 Mt. Vernon Ave., Marion, OH 43302 or online at (https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/317597?Source_Code=MRC-0-MarionWeb-ON-S&fund=317597.)
Snyder Funeral Homes, Gunder/Hall Chapel, of Marion are honored to serve Jack’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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