Kenneth Van Sommers

Kenneth “Kent” Van Sommers, 57 passed away Friday August 1st in metropolitan Charleston, South Carolina after a 4-year battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. Born in Lakewood, Ohio to the parents of Art and Jan Sommers, Williamsburg, Va. Kent, raised as an only child and son of a US Military Officer, led a nomadic life style. By the time he was age 18 he had already moved in and out of 14 homes, lived in Taiwan, Germany and 6 states in the USA. Growing up he was always helpful and thoughtful of others and often was a rascal. He loved exploring new adventures and making new friends where ever he lived, traveled, or visited. He was a Cub Scout in the USA and while living in Taiwan, which made for some interesting outings! He played softball, football, pickle ball, and soccer (his favorite). He enjoyed swimming, biking, hiking, and ‘volksmarching’! He was an altar boy and enjoyed vacation bible school, always working to polish his halo! Kent was a 1986 graduate of Robinson High School, Fairfax, Va. He jumped started his career by being an honor graduate of The Computer Learning Center, Software Development trade school located in Fairfax, Va. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Strayer, College. Worked toward his Masters but fell in love and the Masters stalled. Kent’s income jobs began young as a yard boy, dog walker, child sitting (not babies), paper boy (this he really built up BIG), worked at Hechinger’s Lumber, delivered Domino’s pizza, manager of a store for Dominos, Fairfax Recreation Center Employee where he received the experience of being the ‘ground’ for a lightning strike one stormy evening. In his adult years he became known as 'Superman'; a man full of hope and strength! No matter the issue or problem, he would tackle and solve quickly. He was a carpenter, plumber, and electrician around home. As a very proud father of 4-daughters you could find him entertaining or being entertained with the joy of his 4-Girls. Many playground visits, park walking, soccer practice/games/coaching, t-ball games, having ‘tea’ with his little ladies, reading good books together. In Kent’s last workplace BES Technology, for almost eleven years, he never left a problem unsolved or allowed a bureaucratic roadblock stop him from success. He was a caring workmate and mentor to many of his colleagues. Those who can no longer see you with their eyes, nor touch your hands, but WILL feel you with their heart is his wife, Dena Fox Sommers of metro Charleston, South Carolina area; 4 daughters, Tylar Sommers Joppich (David) of Fairfax, Va. Jordan Ashley Shefey (Jonny) of South Riding, Va. Aberley Fox Sommers and Annalyse Fox Sommers of metro Charleston, South Carolina; 2 grandchildren, Juliana, and Jameson Sherfey; and parents, Art and Jan Sommers of Williamsburg, Va. And many friends and extended family. Kent’s life was a blessing to many and he will be forever remembered and forever missed. A Celebration of Kents Life will be held on Saturday September 13, 2025 at Loudoun Funeral Chapel, 158 Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, Virginia 20175. Public may arrive for visitation at 2pm. A Memorial service begins at 3pm followed by a reception. Please dress comfortably and cheerful. You may also view the Memorial Service online here beginning at 2:45pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Cornerstone Chapel, 650 Battlefield Parkway, Leesburg, Va. 20175 to be used to help those in need. Cornerstone Chapel was deeply instrumental in Kent’s spiritual journey—even to the very end—and the generosity in his memory would continue that legacy of faith and compassion. Or Glioblastoma Foundation at www.glioblastomafoundation.org who are working to transform glioblastoma therapy using Genomic Testing. Please share online condolences and your favorite Kent memory or story with the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com

Kenneth Van Sommers

August 1, 2025