Paul Sowders

Paul L. Sowders, 70, of Evansville, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2015, at his home with his wife and family present after a brave five year battle with cancer. He was born August 15, 1944, in Henderson, to the late E. Paul Sowders and Jimmie Louise Majors Jenkins. He resided in Evansville for the last 40 years. Paul joined the Marine Corps immediately after graduating from high school. He proudly served from 1962-1966. He would always remind everyone, “Once a Marine, always a Marine”. He was a proud member of OPCMIA Local 692. He joined the Cement Masons in 1975, starting by finishing concrete. It was hard work, but he was very proud of his work. He loved to see all the places in the Evansville area that he helped build. He became the Organizer for the state-wide union in 1998, and retired as Business Agent in 2006. He was raised a Master Mason in Reed Lodge #316 F&AM in March of 1980. He received his 32nd degree in the Scottish Rite in 1980, and became a member of Hadi Shrine the same year. Paul served as Master of Reed Lodge in 1999. He was Potentate of Hadi Shrine in 2004. He was a member, or honorary member, of many of the Hadi units, clubs and organizations. He was a Past Captain of the Arab Patrol. Paul’s other memberships included the Cabiri, Royal Order of Jesters Evansville Court 102, Kachina Klub, No Ruz Grotto, Sword of Bunker Hill, Evansville York Rite, Knights Templar, the Marine Corps League, Kentucky Colonel, American Legion post 44, Associate member of Fraternal Order of Police, Moose Lodge, and Evansville Past Masters Club. His very special interests included enjoying his convertibles and making sure they were available if needed in the many parades the Shriners participated in. He loved to dance and would be the first on the dance floor. He loved dancing with young and old alike. He encouraged everyone to join in the fun. But his favorite partner was his wife. He loved to run twice a day, but later had to walk instead. He enjoyed exercising at the Deaconess Fitness Center and made many friends there. Paul was always present for his family and friends; being front and center when asked to lend a helping hand. He proudly officiated at the weddings of a few family and friends. Paul is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Alvie Stone, Jr. and sister, Donna Stone Holmes. He is survived by his loving wife Yolanda Sowders; sons Paul Kevin Sowders and Brian Foronda (Lisa Kaye); daughter, Amanda Beck (Robbie Hipkins); grandchildren, Nina Sowders, Lawrence Beck, Blaze Beck, Ash Hipkins, Derrick Foronda; great-grandchild, Zaiden Paul Foronda; and sisters, Louise Buckman(Carl), Elaine Hobbs (Billy), Judy Lemon (Darrel) and Lynn Kirchoff (Ralph). Funeral Services will be 11:00AM Saturday, June 20, at Alexander North Chapel, with entombment in Alexander Memorial Park, where military rites will be conducted. Visitation is Friday from 2:00PM to 8:00PM, with a Shrine Walk Through at 6:00PM and Masonic Service at 6:15PM. The family would like to extend their gratitude to friends for their many expressions of concern and support. Thank you to Dr. Mark Browning and all the staff at Oncology, Hematology for their kindness. Dr. Browning tried so hard to make sure Paul had a good quality of life. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hadi Transportation Fund or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be made online at AlexanderNorthChapel.com