Albert Dean Somers

Albert Dean Somers, 85, passed away at his residence on December 1, 2025. Dean was born on October 13, 1940 in Vincennes the son of Albert and Fay (Pendleton) Somers.

Dean is a graduate of Indiana State University with a degree in music education. He was a music educator for eighteen years a piano technician for three years and retired as a Daviess County Probation officer after nineteen years. Dean was also a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.

Survivors include his daughters, Marta Somers and her significant other Matt Anderson of Bloomington, IN, Liz Peterson and her husband Rick of Bloomington, IN; his sister, Diana Alhbrand and his granddaughter, Evelyn Peterson. Dean is preceded by his parents Albert and Fay Somers.

Friends may visit with Dean's family from 12-1 pm on Friday, December 5, 2025 at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home, 524 Broadway, Vincennes, IN 47591. A celebration of Dean's life will begin at 1:00 pm and Dean will be laid to rest in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Dean went on to join the Band program, with Gene Pegler as Band Director. Dean started on a used Cornet, which was very difficult to blow. Gene suggested to Dean's Dad (the late Al Somers, grandfather to Marta and Liz),that Dean could play better if he had a good instrument. So, a "State of the Art" Cornet, the Conn Constellation was bought for Dean, and Dean had to make payments on it, from his job sweeping and mopping floors at the family Beauty Shop. Then, as a surprise, Al paid off the remaining payments as a birthday present to Dean. Dean went on to participate in the Band Activities and became Band Captain and pt Chair of the Cornet section. He also played "Taps" for Military Funerals for the American Legion, and he gave Cornet lessons in the basement of their house on Sugarland Road. When he graduated, he went to Indiana State Teachers College (which is now Indiana State University) and was given a State Scholarship for his playing ability. Dean was in the Choral Union, Band and Orchestra, and also sang in a "Four Freshmen" type jazz quartet. When he graduated, he was promoted to a "Graduate Assistant" and was Assistant Conductor of the lndiana State Band. He then received a teaching job in the Vigo County School Corporation, teaching Beginning Orchestra, Jr. High Band and classroom music. During teaching and during his 5 years at Indiana State, Dean played Dance Jobs in a full-size Dance Band typical of the 40's and S0's, playing Glenn Miller type dance music. When his wife, Leanna Winters Somers graduated from college, they both moved to Kokomo and Dean taught High School Band at Russiaville (site of the "Palm Sunday" tornado). Then on to a classroom teaching assignment at the school that serviced the Grissom Air Base. The school was so large that it looked like a small college campus, with 4 separate buildings for elementary, middle school, high school, and Administration. Dean's building had an indoor swimming pool, Planetarium, Courtyard for the Art students, and an elevator to the second floor which housed a huge library. When school dismissed, there were about 30 school buses lined up. When the Air Force tankers flew over so low you could see the pilots in the nose of the tankers, and you could not hear the T.V.

Then after existing the Public School System, Dean went to Chicago and studied at the McCormick School for Piano Technicians. He then taught private student in piano and guitar, bought used pianos and got them in working condition, then sold them. He also tuned Church pianos, and serviced pianos in 3 counties. Dean thought this was the best time of his life,but unfortunately was not financially lucrative. So, when a need for a Probation Officer in Daviess County opened up, he applied for the position and was accepted by Judge Robert Arthur. Dean spent almost 20 years as a Probation Officer, supervising both Juveniles and Adults, and part of that time as the Director of the Daviess County Youth Home. But all the time, staying active in music, taking his 2 daughters Marta and Liz to Bluegrass Festivals, and playing a Baby Grand in his Dining room.