Larry J. Soma

July 12, 1955 - January 29, 2021

Larry Soma age 65 of Columbia, IL passed away on January 29, 2021 at Mercy South Hospital. He was born July 12, 1955 in St Louis. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Carol Soma, nee Taake. They were married on April 7, 1979, in Columbia, IL. Surviving are his children, Sara (Jared) Kertz and Scott (Mandy) Soma, 4 grandchildren; Ashlyn and Easton Kertz and Brantley and Kaiden Soma. Sisters, Patti (Tim) Fahey, Kathy (Ron) Shields and Karen Mathis along with other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ellen “Rita” Soma, father and mother-in-law, Roy and Edna Taake, along with a brother-in-law, Scott Mathis. Larry was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 581, Columbia, IL. He began his career with the City of Columbia Police Department as a 911 Dispatcher and EMT. The majority of his career was spent with the City of Kirkwood Missouri Police Department as a 911 Dispatcher for 35 years until he retired on December 6, 2013. He enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids. He was an avid train enthusiast, golfer, and loved to travel, although his life-long passion was Emergency Services. A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, on Thursday, February 4, 2021, at the Hope Christian Church, 9273 Coach Stop Rd., Columbia, IL. A Memorial Service will follow the visitation, with Pastor Darrell Jones, officiating. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to: Backstoppers, 10411 Clayton Road, Ste: 203,, St. Louis, MO 63131. For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Lawlor Funeral Home, Columbia, IL, handled arrangements.