JACK L. SOWDER, 82, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Tuesday evening, April 5, 2011 at Cumbernauld Village in Winfield.

Born on August 18, 1928 in Toronto, Kansas, he was the son of John Curtis and Frankie Pharel (Willhite) Sowder. He was raised and received his education in Toronto. A 1946 graduate of Toronto High School, he was united in marriage to Beverly N. Bright on February 25, 1946. He enjoyed his passion of being a lifelong farmer and rancher.

Jack was employed with Southwestern Bell and AT&T. In 1950 the couple moved to Winfield. He retired in 1984 from AT&T. He later enjoyed working part time as a rural mail carrier. Jack also worked for Sherrard Builders and Miles Funeral Service. Beverly preceded him in death on May 13, 1999.

Jack was united in marriage in June of 2001 to Linda Williams in Winfield. The couple enjoyed traveling, spending summers at Grand Lake, Oklahoma and wintering at the ranch in Winfield.

He was a longtime member of the First Christian Church. Jack also belonged to the Pioneer Association and was deeply involved with the Boy Scouts of America.

His family includes:
His wife: Linda of the home;
His sons: David Sowder and fiancee Marcia Hastings of Sarasota, FL; Tom Sowder of Shawnee, OK; Jon Sowder and his wife Jan of Jeffersonville, IN; and Monty Sowder and wife Tonja of Wichita, KS; and
His 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and first wife Beverly.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, April 9, 2011 at the First Christian Church in Winfield. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5:00 to 9:00 P.M., Friday, April 8, 2011. The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. that evening.

Memorials have been established in Jack's name for Hospice Care of Kansas, the First Christian Church and Boy Scouts of America. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.