Army Staff Sergeant Shawn Philip Somits, of Muncy, Pennsylvania.

Born July 1, 1975 in Williamsport, he was a son of John A. and Charlotte M. (Reidler) Somits, of Muncy. On Feb. 5, 2003, he married the former Daisy Renae Roan, who survives. Together they celebrated 12 years of marriage.

Shawn was a 1994 graduate of Muncy High School. After high school he furthered his education at Penn College where he studied business administration and applied human services. He also attended Bucknell University for ROTC training.

He served in the United States Army during operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq and Kuwait. While serving he received army commendation medal, army achievement medal, army reserve components achievement medal, national defense service medal, global war on terrorism expeditionary medal, armed forces reserve medal, noncommissioned officer’s professional development ribbon, army service ribbon, army reserve components overseas training ribbon and parachutist badge.

Shawn worked at Allenwood Federal Prison for 10 ½ years as a corrections officer, and was a member of the Disturbance Control Team there.

He was an avid turkey hunter and was a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation. He was also a member of the Edward J. Smith Post 3428 V.F.W.

Shawn was a coach for Muncy youth football and Muncy AYSO youth soccer.

Surviving in addition to his wife and parents are one son, Wesley Evan Somits and one daughter, Faith Elizabeth Somits, both at home; one sister and brother-in-law, Stacy and Shane Cuddeback, of Reading; two nieces, Sage and Sierra Cuddeback; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Scott and Phyllis Roan of Linden

Shawn was predeceased by a brother in infancy, Seth Stephen Somits in 1976.

SSG Shawn Philip Somits lost his battle with PTS on April 2, 2015. He was 39 years old.

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