Russell H. DeSomer's Obituary
Lt. Col. Russell H. DeSomer
(USAF Ret.)
The many friends and tennis buddies of Lieutenant Colonel Russell H. DeSomer (USAF Ret.) are saddened to hear of his passing on February 27, 2009. He was born January 23, 1922 in San Diego, CA and is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, of 62 years. He leaves a family of two sons, two daughters, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Colonel DeSomer served in the Air Force for 28 years; his most cherished memory was flying his beloved P-51 Mustang. It was his dream and his joy. He served in World War II, Korea, Southeast Asia and Viet Nam. As per Russell's wishes there will be no funeral, but rather the following appropriate expression of his life: Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds, - and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of-wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air.... Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark nor even eagle flew- And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
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