John Edward DeSomer
John Edward DeSomer, Syracuse, passed away on November 7, 2019 at home.
He was born on Feb. 26, 1947 in Joliet, Ill.
During a twenty-year career as an Army Ranger, he served his country through multiple deployments in Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Israel, Nicaragua, Columbia, Venezuela, Syria, and Afghanistan (at least those were the ones about which he was willing to share stories about).
On one reconnaissance mission he was captured and tortured, bearing the scars for the rest of his life. On another, his back was broken on a parachute jump. He carried shrapnel in his back until the end of his life. He was awarded four Purple Hearts and eight Bronze Stars. Most of the family cannot imagine the sacrifices he made, nor can they thank John enough for his service.
After his school career, which included much success playing football, running track, and wrestling, he graduated from high school in Knox, and joined the army. After his first tour of duty, he decided to re-enlist and make a career out of military service, rising to the rank of Captain. He eventually trained as a respiratory therapist, working at several prestigious university hospitals, such as Syracuse, U of Chicago, and South Carolina. He retired from providing home care services for The Pill Box Pharmacy in Warsaw.
John DeSomer was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy, and three brothers, Jim, Jerry, and Jay.
He is survived by sisters-in-law, Ann Cavender and Judy DeSomer (Tom Freel), several nieces and nephews, and his adopted family of Renee Hursey: Curt, Julie, Bailey, Baylor, Samantha, Jason, Jase, and Shay.
A Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Eastlund Funeral Home with calling oneĀ hour prior.
Pastor Brad Cox will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Black Pine Sanctuary in Albion, Indiana.
Wounded Warriors & Disabled Vets