Birth date: Jan 4, 1927 Death date: Sep 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 child Read Obituary
Uncle Merle was so special to me. One of the kindest and sweetest of men that I have ever known. He always encouraged me when I was in ministry with young people. Greg, Diana and Billy you were Blessed to have him as your Dad. I miss him but know I’ll see him soon. Kim
What a great guy and a servant of the Lord. Brother Merle was a shining example of the Christian life. He gave his talents and time for many years to serving God and people. He always had a kind word and his conversations were uplifting. Our memories go way back to times of worship together and music ministry. We have been very privileged to have been friends and he will be missed. We are praying for your family for peace and comfort during this time and the assurance of a happy reunion in heaven someday. Love and prayers,
Kenny and Cyndi Fussell
As Merle Sowders son I'm reading the kind condolences given by family and friends of my Dad and give all my heart felt thanks to you.
My Dad meant so much to me as I was growing up with his hard work to put food on the table for his wife and three children. He would work all the overtime he could even when he was exhausted to accomplish this. But there was another side to my father.
From a child he was taught by his mother and others to read music and play the piano. He did get training at Grunewald School of Music and went to BTS in Cleveland Tennessee. His dad played the banjo, his mom the piano some as I recall, his sister played the piano, his brother who passed away as a boy played the violin. He and his Mom and Sister would sing in church on many occasions. Forgive me family if the facts aren't perfect. Going on my memory at 66 is a scary thing.
I was telling my brother yesterday that I had been thinking about dad being so talented. My brother mentioned one of the big bands back in the day offered him to tour with them but he refused the offer. You see he felt the calling of God to use his talent for the Lord. Yes he could have been famous and I've heard his mother even may have encouraged him to pursue the fame but he was content to play for choirs and church quartets as a Minister of Music. I just watched him over the years playing in various churches and was so proud of him. I don't know if he knew how much I looked up to him, so in his last days suffering with dementia I would hold his hand and tell him I loved him and how good he played the piano. He was a Good Husband, a Good Father, a Humble Godly Man. My Father, "MERLE B. SOWDER"
My memories are so lengthy of my teacher that would show up at my house every Saturday morning to teach me to play the piano. He would always do his best to encourage me and remind me that I would make a lot more progress if I just practiced more. LOL. I always remember how impressive his piano playing was. He use to Cat Paw the piano and never miss a note. He instilled in me a love of Gospel music, a love of worship, a always showed me what it meant to be a man of God. He was a mentor of mine and although I haven’t seen him in years, I knew him well enough to know that he would never compromise his faith, which lets me know that I will see him in heaven.
Uncle Merle will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart ❤️ I remember as a child we would correspond back & forth. One letter each sentence was written in a different color ink,another was written in a circle, wish I had kept those but I'll never forget. I have been so blessed to have had Merle Sowder as my Uncle. A very kind,sweet,compassion man of God...
