William Edward Sowders Sr. passed away peacefully, at home with family on February 9, 2022, at the age of 66.
He was born on September 21, 1955, to Clyde James Sowders and Gladys Littlefield in Waco, Texas.
His visitation service was held at Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell, Texas, on February 12, 2022, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a Rosary at 7 p.m.
The Mass of Christian burial was held on Sunday, February 13, 2022, at 2 p.m., at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Frenstat, Father Melvin Dornak as Celebrant.
The burial followed at the church cemetery.
William married Virginia Ann Rathjen on June 21, 1975. She was the love of his life.
He also had a love for cars, especially his 2010 Maroon Chevrolet 6.2-liter V8 super sport Camaro.
He was a volunteer at the Somerville Fire Department for over 40 years. He was always willing to help.
He loved riding his 4-wheeler, checking his cattle and watching Paw Patrol with his grandchildren.
When he could, he loved to fish and watch “America’s favorite team” -- the Dallas Cowboys. He also loved watching TV shows that involved rebuilding or restoring cars.
He was a joyful person and he enjoyed uplifting others. He will be missed by many, especially his family.
William is survived by his wife, Virginia Sowders of Caldwell, Texas; his mother, Gladys Sowders, of Snook; Texas; his son, Billy Sowders Jr. and wife, Julia, of Somerville, Texas; his daughters, Jennifer Broaddus and husband, Brian, Kimberly Sprouse and husband, Bill, and Laura Koerth, all from Caldwell, Texas; and daughter, Megan Sowders and partner, Dustin Calhoun, of College Station, Texas; his beloved grandchildren, Preston, Ashlynn, Ryan, Payton, Riley, Abby, Makaylah, Maddy, Jace, Jaxon, and Maddox; his sister, Lynda Dee Sowders of Snook, Texas; mother-in-law, Annie Rathjen of Caldwell, Texas; brothers-in-law, Glen Rathjen, Darrell “Joe” Rathjen and wife, Nola, Darwon “Skeeter” Rathjen and wife, Connie, all from Caldwell, Texas; his sister-in-law, Ann Sowders of Somerville, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Clyde James Sowders Sr.; father-in-law, A.C. Rathjen; brothers, Clyde James Sowder Jr. and Walter Mikel Sowders; sister, Kathy Lou Leasure; grandson, Tobias King Calhoun; and nephews, Fredrich Adam Sowders, and Jordan Blake Rathjen; and great-nephew, Chase Sowders.
Serving as pallbearers were Preston Sprouse, Payton Sprouse, Ryan Broaddus, K.C. Leasure, Matt Sowders, Alan Rathjen, Garrett Rathjen and Austin Rathjen. Honorary pallbearers were the members of the Somerville Volunteer Fire Department.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell. They invite you to visit our website at www.stricklandfuneralhomes.com and sign the online register book.