Dwight W. Somerville

Dwight W. Somerville age 92, passed away Wednesday September 14, 2016 at the Willows at Willard following a brief illness. Dwight was born January 2, 1924 in Conesville, Ohio to  Dr. Norman and Gertrude (Brown) Somerville and has been a resident of Shelby  since 1945.  He was a graduate of Muskingum College earning a bachelor science degree in music education and supervision. His teaching career began in Shelby as the director of bands for Shelby City Schools and later became supervisor of music. He participated in numerous music and marching band clinics in many states. During his 38 year teaching career, the Shelby Band program grew from a mere 42 students to more than 350 band members. Through the years the Shelby Symphonic Band was honored to have earned 33 district and 28 consecutive state superior ratings. Under Dwight's direction, the Shelby Whippet Band performed at a Cleveland Browns halftime show as well as numerous performances at Walt Disney World .  He was also one of the most requested judges throughout the band competitions in Ohio. 

Dwight was a member of Ohio Music Educators Association (OMEA) Competition Committee for 20 years serving as chairman, adjudications coordinator and many other leadership roles. In 2004 he was honored with the OMEA Distinguished Service Award. His leadership was a key element in OMEA as he and the adjudications committee developed many of the policy and procedures regarding judges and band competitions, still used throughout the state today. 

He used music to develop within his students the gift of living that prepared them to survive any problem they may encounter, develop strong work ethics, as well as enjoy the love of the arts.  

As a member of the American Band Directors Association and Music Educators National Committee, Dwight was also honored with several awards. In 1983 he received the National Band Association Citation of Excellence Award and was inducted into the Ohio Band Directors Conference "Hall of Fame" at Akron University in 1987. The Phi Beta Mu bandmaster fraternity recently presented Dwight with the Hall of Fame award. 

He retired in 1983 after 38 years of service for Shelby City Schools. He continued judging both marching and concert bands throughout several states. Dwight was the director of the choir at the First United Methodist Church in Shelby for 25 years. Upon his retirement he also was a real estate agent for the Hancock Agency.  

Dwight is survived by his wife Deloris Somerville whom he married 70 years ago. Their wedding was officiated by his father the Rev. Norman Somerville; he is also survived by one brother, Ronald Somerville of Jacksonville, Fla.; one daughter Lynn (Jeff) Love of Shelby, one son David (Theresa) Somerville of Terrell, Texas; and granddaughters Emily Grace Somerville, Jamie Jones and Christina (Justin) Long both of Utah and several great grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Doris Chandler. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30AM Monday September 19, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church in Shelby.  Reverend James Macdonald and Reverend David S. Sipes will officiate with interment in Oakland Cemetery.  Friends may call at the Barkdull Funeral Home on Sunday from 2:00 to 6:00 PM. Memorial contributions can be made to the Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) in honor of Dwight's granddaughter, Emily Grace. On-line contributions may be made at: http://cota.donorpages.com/patientonlinedonation/cotaforemilygraces.  Additional contributions may be given to the Shelby Whippet Band or the First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.  

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