Merle Benjamin Sowder

January 4, 1927 - September 7, 2020

Merle B. Sowder of Covington, LA passed away on Monday, September 7, 2020. He was born on January 4, 1927 in Hamilton, OH to Millard and Bonnie (Keith) Sowder. Merle is survived by his beloved wife, Ocie (Sharp) Sowder; his children Billy G. Sowder (Brenda K. Barker Sowder), Gregory K. Sowder (Robin Songe Sowder), and Diana Sowder Taylor (the late Ottis “Jody” Taylor); and grandchildren Melissa Sowder Glipa-Sahagun (Damien Glipa-Sahagun) and Mandy Sowder Lombard (Richard Lombard); his step-grandchildren Al Roddy, Richard Roddy and Brian Roddy as well his great-grandchildren Jaden Lombard, Jude Lombard, Ezekiel Glipa-Sahagun, Moriah Glipa-Sahagun, Jonah Glipa-Sahagun, and Abigail Glipa-Sahagun. He is also survived by his sister Daisydean Sowder Seals (the late Gene Seals), and his nieces Paula Seals Reumann and Rebecca Seals Rupert. Merle is preceded in death by his brother Elmer “Billy” Glenn Sowder and his parents. Merle worked as an A-1 Mechanic for N.O.P.S.I., currently known as RTA, for over 30 years. He also served as Choir Director and Minister of Music for many churches in Southeast Louisiana. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at Shepherd’s Care Ministries, 20115 LA-1081, Covington, LA 70435 on Friday, September 11, 2020 at 12:00 Noon with visitation at the church on Friday beginning at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow the services in Barker McManus Cemetery, Covington, LA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Sowder may be made to Shepherd’s Care Ministries. Donations may be either mailed to 20115 LA-1081, Covington, LA 70435. Please sign the E.J. Fielding Funeral Home online Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.