Dr. Sowers was a great principal when I attended Palms Junior High from 1978-1981. He was very cordial and ran an excellent school. Fond memories. He will definitely be missed.

To my family I send my dearest condolences. I am there in spirit from 3000 miles away. 

-Uncle David I will miss you so much. My best memory of you is one I will keep private because inside jokes are involved, but I know you are listening. Every time we got to talking you encouraged me to just be myself and always made sure I knew you cared for me. I will continually be inspired by your patience and dedication to life, work and family. You are and will always be missed.




We met Dave in February of 1966 (almost 57 years ago) when we moved into the South Shores neighborhood of San Pedro.  He (and Dottie) lived across "the alley" from us and we became great friends. 
I shared Minnesota roots with him as my Dad was born there in the early 1900's.  My engineering background appreciated his mathematical training and Joyce's work as an Aide for the LAUSD meshed with their teaching professions. Our daughter, Christina, grew up with Denise and shared many childhood activities. 
We certainly miss those days when the alley was the social center of our respective blocks. 
In the 1970's, Dave got us hooked into camping.  We spent many hours watching him work on his Ford truck/camper. He introduced us to Corkhill Road in Desert Hot Springs.
Then came our "adventures" in Hawaii.  We both bought condos at Alii Villas in Kona on the Big Island and shared ownership at Kona Palms.  One of the most memorable days of our lives was when we visited the University of Hawaii telescopes at the top of Mauna Kea with the Sowers and the Whitsons. Although he was a great runner, I was worried about Dave's breathing when he rushed up the steps to the telescope at 13,796 feet above sea level, which we had left just 3 hours earlier.
What a guy!  Mathematician, teacher, Principal, husband, father, camper, runner, farmer, mentor (to many) and friend.
We miss you and send our deepest condolences to Doug, Denise, Bettie and the extended Sowers family.

In 1972 I was a 2nd year math teacher, and Dave was the newly appointed principal of Henry Clay Jr HS. Over time we learned of our mutual love; motorcycling in the desert. When his family outgrew a couple of dirt bikes, our young sons gave them a 2nd life for a few years. Dave must have seen potential in me, appointing this 4th year teacher to serve as a 7th grade advisor. However, I was only one of many future school leaders who were sparked by Dave's enthusiasm and the confidence had in each of us. Though we had limited contact over the past several decades, Dave instilled in me a desire to identify and mentor future leaders; an attribute I was proud to practice with fidelity.
Thanks Dave for being my colleague and for being present in my "problem-solving sub-conscious" as I contemplated:"How would Dave handle this?"

Ron Bauer

I have been friends with David for almost twenty years through our membership in SCV Rotary.   I last saw him at the July 4 Newhall parade before the pandemic, where he and Bettie always volunteered at the Rotary Pancake Breakfasts.  He was a great guy, friendly, polite, great sense of humor, always ready to engage in conversations where he usually offered something funny or insightful.  I never heard him utter an unkind word or saw him in an angry mood.

Dave, my godfather, knew me before I was born. My parents, Bonnie & John Whitson followed Dave & Dottie from Hamlin University out to White Point in San Pedro back in the 50’s.
Dave was my 2nd dad, a mentor, my boss, and friend. He will be greatly missed. 
Here’s to a farm boy from southern Minnesota who served our community through excellence and endless hard work.
We enjoyed many get togethers, camping trips near and far. I would not be the man I am now without his example. friend, husband, father. Many thanks!
And, thank you Betty for being his 2nd wife, companion, and partner for all these years.
My condolences 🌹
Sincerely, Mark Whitson

OBITUARY

David R. Sowers

February 23, 1933 – December 17, 2022

Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary

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