Carol D Songer

Carol D. Songer, age 87, of Needles California died June 30, 2021 In Bakersfield California in the loving care of his daughter. Carol and his twin Harol were the babies of 11 children born February 1, 1934 at their home in Sawyer, Oklahoma to George and Ruby (Pettey) Songer. Carol married Eva June Welty, June 10, 1960 and had a long life together until her death in 2013. In 1965, Carol, living in Santa Rosa, CA, began his career as a state trooper for the California Highway Patrol. He was transferred to Needles, CA in March, 1966. He embraced the small town life, but never enjoyed the extreme heat of the summer months. They stayed in Needles because the local people made it feel like home. Over the years he made many friends. As a CHP, he was always consulted to sign off on “fix it” tickets. People would stop by the house to seek help and Carol would always invite them in. If it was dinner time, they were asked to join us. He had the biggest heart and couldn’t stand to see people suffer or go hungry. In a desert town like Needles, many travelers would break down or get into severe car accidents, especially on old route 66. Carol was the guy to help them. He said his primary goal as a CHP in our area was to assist stranded motorists. Many times, when off duty, he would take his sidekick, Cara, with him to offer food and blankets in the winter to stranded families. It was amazing to witness such quiet generosity. Eva was a perfect compliment to his giving heart. She crocheted countless blankets and they both cooked for an army to always have plenty for others. He continued to receive thank you cards in the mail from families many years later. Those that knew him best remember his sense of humor and quick wit. Sgt Songer made a difference in this world and he will be greatly missed. Carol was preceded in death by his parents, wife Eva, son Gordon James Songer, daughter Rolanda Songer Amstutz, grandson Gordon Jacob Songer, six brothers, Harol Songer, Ray Songer, Homer Lee Songer, George “Hick” Songer, Vester “Blue” Songer, and Curtis “Buster” Songer, two sisters Gracie Songer Potts and Delma Songer Campbell. He is survived by two sisters Dorothy Songer Stogsdill (90), Vay Songer Koyama (92); daughter Cara Songer Parker (husband Robert), granddaughters Jamie Songer Underwood, Gretchen Songer, Codi Songer, Carissa Parker Valov, and grandsons Kipton Amstutz, Alex Amstutz, Nicholas Parker. Carol and Eva were also blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Carol requested no services be held and he will be laid to rest privately at Riverview Cemetery in Needles, California. The family would like to share one of Carol’s many words of wisdom. “The only thing you leave this world with is your good name. Live your life with integrity.”