Franklin Sommer

Franklin George (Bubba) Sommer passed away on December 12, 2015, in Houston, Texas. Franklin was born in Washington, Texas, the son of Burford and Hildegard Sommer. He was a 1950 graduate of Burton High School and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin. Franklin married Beverly Jean Flannery, of Davenport, Iowa, on August 6, 1955 and they made their home in Wharton. Franklin was a local pharmacist for more than 50 years, working at Vineyard Drug Company, Bruce Scott Pharmacy and Eckerd’s. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Wharton and was a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus. For many years, Franklin was also actively involved in the Wharton Historical Society. Franklin was an honorable, kind man who loved his wife and five children deeply. He was known for his sense of humor, ability to tell stories and his eidetic memory. He thoroughly embraced his interests, which at various times included rodeo, golf, collecting coins and all sorts of antiques, learning to make knives and restoring guns. He was never happier than when sitting down with his children to a game of cards or dominos with a can of Coca-Cola at his side. Franklin was preceded in death by his wife Beverly, his parents, his brother J.D Sommer and his son-in-law, James Riggs. He is survived by his five children: Brian Sommer and wife Colleen of Batavia, IL, Brenda Sommer of Mexia, Bradley Sommer and wife Patty of Houston, Beth Kuhn and husband Steve of Rosenberg and Bonnee Riggs of Goliad; grandchildren Sarah Sommer, Sean Sommer, Caroline Sommer, William Sommer and Angel Contreras; Nephews Russell Sommer, Jeff Sommer and many other friends and relatives. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 18, 2015, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Wharton, TX from 5 pm to 7 pm with rosary to be held at 6:30 pm. A funeral mass in his honor will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2015, at 10:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church, Wharton, TX. The family wishes to thank everyone involved in our father’s care over the past five years as it made it possible for him to spend his final years at home. This includes his most recent caregivers: Aneishea Dickerson, Fannie Jackson, Tina Richardson and Cherry Scarlett. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church, Fellowship Fund, 2011 Briar Lane, Wharton, TX 77488 or to the Alzheimer’s Association at http://www.alz.org. Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com