John Sommer was born June 29, 1933. He graduated from LaGrange High School, LaGrange, Texas, in 1950. In 1954, he received a Bachelor Degree in Music Education from Texas Lutheran College. He then served two years in the U.S. Army.

In 1956, John began his teaching career as a band director at Bandera High School. Three years later he completed his Masters Degree in Music Education from Southwest Texas State College. He then moved to Edna High School where he served as the band director for seven years and was the principal for two years.

In 1968, John came to Canyon High School as the principal. He held this position until 1983 when he became the director of Personnel and Special Projects for the Canyon Independent School District. In 1984, John received his Doctorate in Education from Texas Tech University.

After receiving his doctorate, John was employed by the Texas Education Agency in Austin in the Division of Curriculum Development as the Program Director for Fine Arts. He retired from this position in 1993. He now works part-time with several companies in the field of curriculum development.

John and his wife, Bess, reside in Round Rock. He has three daughters and one son. Their family also includes numerous grandchildren.