Milton Sommerlatte

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Born: December 29, 1952

Died: May 15, 2020

Milton Gene Sommerlatte, 67, went to his heavenly home in the early hours of Friday, May 15, 2020. He was born Dec. 29, 1952, in Gonzales to Clyde W. Sommerlatte, Sr. and Bernice Maresch Sommerlatte. He married Amy Johnson of Flatonia, Texas on June 28, 1996 and gained a bonus daughter, Raven.

Milton graduated from Gonzales High School in May of 1971 and was a proud member of the Gonzales Apache Band trombone section. He was a part of the family custom hay baling business and poultry farm before and after graduation. Following the family tradition, he joined the Army National Guard where he perfected his cooking skills and dedicated many years to the American Legion. Over the years he was Commander of Gonzales Post 40 and Luling Post 177. With his love of cooking he participated in various cook offs winning many awards. You could rest assured that if there was a benefit or family function, he was the dedicated cook. Family favorites were his off the chain BBQ chicken, chili and that all time awesome pot of beans with his secret ingredients. 

He tried his hand in the food service industry with the Wooden Nickel but ate more ice cream than he sold. He became restless being indoors and decided to change direction and drove for a steel company out of San Antonio. After moving back to Gonzales, he started working at Cal-Maine, transporting eggs all over the United States. Then working in County precinct, one driving a gravel truck where he earned the nickname, “Bull”. He loved being outdoors and the ranch life was his way to relax. You always knew where to find him on the weekends at the 2-C Ranch building fence, working cattle, selling bulls, or bailing hay along with his nephew Chris which he referred to as the “Rocket Scientist”. He served as Vice President for the Luling Livestock show association and was Beef Superintendent for the stock show. 

In November 2013, Milton was diagnosed with stage IV B-Cell Lymphoma but that did not stop him. After being told he was in remission after only five treatments, he decided he was going to “retire”. He could be found watching hours of RFDTV, Hehaw reruns or 1970’s game shows and his favorite host was Steve Harvey. At the end of the we got a blow by blow recap of every show he watched.

Milton took after his father in the since that he struck up a conversation with everyone he met. The family joke was “I’ll be just a few minutes” which always turned into hours. He loved his family and friends unconditionally and would give the shirt off his back to help anyone but might have to think about it if it was a pearl snap shirt. We know he is celebrating with his buddies, Jack Pritchard and Louis Kuntschik.

Survivors include his wife, Amy of Luling, Texas, Children, Sarah Reinier and husband Chip of Gonzales, Raven Grogan and husband Justin of Victoria, Texas, Emilie Sommerlatte of San Marcos, Al Sommerlatte of Luling, Texas and his youngest daughter as he would proclaim, “Motley Marie”, his beloved dog, grandchildren A’Lora, Ryder, Kaeden, Tyler and Tinsley and a brother, Clyde W. Sommerlatte and wife, Karen of Luling, Texas, niece, Kimberley Booth and nephew, Christopher Sommerlatte of Luling, Texas, his beloved Aunt Marie and the Moulton Cousins, Aunt Dorothy and cousins Linda and Gary and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Bernice Sommerlatte and his stepmother, Ginger. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 19, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. noon at Seydler Hill Funeral Home in Gonzales with service following at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at the Hermann Sons Cemetery with military honors provided by the Luling Post # 177 of the American Legion. Pallbearers include David Schoenfeld, Skipper Irle, Joe Kotwig, Dusty Pish, Larry Masek and Christopher Sommerlatte. Honorary pallbearers include Robert Martinez, Herman Alex, Jason Booth, Gary Sutton, and Steve Maresch. Due to Covid-19, CDC guidelines will be followed for the safety of everyone including social distancing and facial covering. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home, Gonzales. Friends may sign the guestbook and leave condolences by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com

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