William O Somers

William O. “Bill” Somers, 80, of Vermilion, Ohio, passed away Saturday, June 6, 2026 following a lengthy illness.

Born November 16, 1945, in Elyria, Ohio, Bill lived a life defined by relationships, service, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community.

Bill was a proud graduate of Elyria High School and Ashland College, where he earned a degree in Business Management. His years at Ashland were among the most influential of his life. He was a founding member of Phi Beta Gamma Fraternity, later known as Kappa Sigma, served as Treasurer of the Ashland University Alumni Association, participated in the Gridiron Club, and remained a devoted alumnus throughout his life.

Following graduation, Bill began a career in education at Fields High School at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield before teaching at Ashland High School and Northwood Junior High School. In 1972, he joined the family insurance business, Somers Agency, eventually becoming its owner and continuing a legacy established by his grandfather in 1898.

Over a career spanning nearly five decades, Bill earned the respect of colleagues throughout Ohio’s insurance industry through his integrity, professionalism, and commitment to serving others. He was active in the Independent Insurance Agents of Ohio, spent seven years on its Board of Directors, and served as president from 2004 to 2005. In 2006, he received the organization’s Paul Revere Outstanding Achievement Award. He was also deeply involved with the Lorain County Independent Insurance Agents and served as its president from 1978 to 1979.

Faith played an important role throughout Bill’s life. He was a longstanding member of the United Church of Christ Congregational in Vermilion, where he served on the finance committee. He was also a member of Naples United Church of Christ in Florida and a former member and deacon of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Elyria.

Bill believed strongly in giving back to the community that had given so much to him. His dedication to service extended throughout Lorain County through numerous civic and charitable organizations. He was a member of the Rotary Clubs of Vermilion, Elyria, and Lorain, serving a term as president of the Lorain Rotary Club. He spent six years on the Board of Vision Rehabilitation and twelve years on the Board of Vocational Guidance Services. He was also involved with the Elyria Jaycees, the Elyria Memorial Hospital Foundation, and the United Way Board. Bill believed communities thrive when people are willing to step forward, get involved, and help others succeed.

Bill enjoyed golf and was a member and past president of Elyria Country Club, as well as a member of Wyndemere Country Club in Naples. He also enjoyed skiing, boating, and travel, with some of his most memorable adventures taking place on European ski and bicycling trips. In retirement, he especially looked forward to spending winters in Naples, Florida. He enjoyed following the lives and activities of his grandchildren and was always proud of their accomplishments.

Bill is survived by his wife of 28 years, Judith A. Riddle (née Wragg) of Vermilion; his daughter, Melissa Somers of Amherst; grandchildren, Lukas and Meaghan Fichtner and Samuel, Caroline, and Zachary Riddle; stepsons, Craig (Jaclyn) Riddle of Cumming, Georgia, and Mark (Elizabeth) Riddle of Vermilion; and sisters, Laura (Neil Caya) Somers and Sue Sherman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Mary Somers; his first wife, Judith Ann “Judi” Somers (née Leslie); his daughter, Leslie Ann Somers; and his brother-in-law, Roger Sherman.

Bill believed success was measured not by what a person accumulated, but by how they treated others. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through friendship, mentorship, service, and love. He will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, generosity, and remarkable ability to make others feel valued.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the United Church of Christ Congregational, 990 State Street, Vermilion, OH 44089. Interment will follow at Brookdale Cemetery, Elyria.

Memorial contributions may be made to The William O. Somers ’67 Endowed Scholarship at Ashland University, Ashland University Office of Institutional Advancement, 401 College Ave. Ashland, OH 44805 or to Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Road, Naples, Florida 34103.

Online condolences may be shared at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.