![[photo, John R. Somers, Orphans' Court Judge, Somerset County, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/36loc/so/jud/images/1198-1-06403b.jpg)
JOHN RIGGIN SOMERS
Chief Judge (Republican, 2015-16
Judge, 1994-2015
Chief Judge, Orphans' Court, Somerset County, April 6, 2015 to July 1, 2016 (Judge, Dec. 1994 to April 16, 2015). Retired July 1, 2016.
Director, Civil Defense and Disaster Preparedness Agency, Somerset County, 1980-81. Director, Emergency Management and Civil Defense Agency, Somerset County, 1981-89. Director, Emergency Management Agency, Somerset County, 1989-92. Former local coordinator, Governor's Highway Safety Program.
Born September 22, 1927. Attended Ewell Elementary School, Ewell (Smith Island), Maryland; Crisfield High School, Crisfield, Maryland; Maryland State Police Academy. Served in U.S. Navy, 1945. Served as Maryland State Trooper, 1st Sergeant. Member, Maryland Association of the Judges of the Orphans' Courts. Member, (50 years), Manokin Lodge no. 106, AF&AM; American Legion Post no. 94; Captain John Smoot Chapter, Maryland Society, Sons of the American Revolution; Maryland State Police Alumni Association. Member, Antioch United Methodist Church, Princess Anne, Maryland. Widower; three sons, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren.
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