Lawrence "Larry" James Sowter

Lawrence “Larry” James Sowter, 91, of Chatham, passed away on November 30, 2022 at St. John’s Hospital. He was born on July 24, 1931 in Pontiac, Michigan to William Young Sowter and Iris Evelyn Waite. Larry married Stephanie Grissom in Phoenix, Arizona on May 29, 1976, and she survives.

Mr. Sowter is also survived by four children: Douglas Keith (Holly) Sowter of Aurora, Illinois; Gailyn Ann (Carl) Draper of Springfield, Illinois; Lori Jane (Milo) Shelton of Bellwood, Illinois; and Sarah Elizabeth (Julie) Calnan of Vermont; four grandchildren: Jason David (Tiffany) Klem of Queen Creek, Arizona, Matthew Christian (Samantha) Klem of Buckeye, Arizona, Megan (Adam) Podber of Clifton, New Jersey and David Joseph (Stephanie) Bertone of Aurora, Illinois and fourteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son James Andrew Sowter.

Larry graduated from Pontiac High School in Pontiac, Michigan where he excelled in track. He then served in the United States Army during the Korean War, stationed in Panama, Central America attaining the rank of Pvt-2. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and 4 OverSeas Service Bars. Upon returning to the states he attended Oakland University in Detroit, Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, and Grand Canyon University in Phoenix Arizona. Larry had a lifelong career in the insurance industry starting out as an agent then moving to a teaching role focusing on Health Insurance and Medicare, leading classroom seminars.

Larry had two strong forces in his life. First and foremost was his passion for Jesus Christ and secondly was his passion for music.

He was an accomplished brass player. Together with his wife, Larry served as a Minister of Music for over sixty years. He played with the Salvation Army Staff Band, and he and Stephanie enjoyed summers at the Salvation Army Band Camp at Estes Park, Colorado, teaching young students. Together they also performed with the Salt River Brass Band in AZ, the Denver Brass Band and the Springfield Municipal Band. Additionally, over the years he taught private instrumental music to students. He was active at the Springfield First United Methodist Church as a choir member, Sunday School Teacher and playing with the orchestra for special music events.

His real passion was for Jesus Christ. Larry was absolute about his faith in Christ, and witnessing to anyone, no matter where they were. Larry’s music reflected his belief in Jesus. His favorite song was “Give Me Jesus” and he always said he would want to have that shared at his funeral.

In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus

And when I am alone, give me Jesus

And when I come to die, give me Jesus

Give me Jesus,

Oh, give me Jesus

You can have all this world,

but give me Jesus

Larry loved his family, loved to laugh, loved his coffee (Keurig's Black Magic!), loved to tell "stories", was passionate about music, and loved nothing more than a big dinner around the table with those he loved. We as a family celebrate a life well lived and find joy and comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering but is now at peace with the one he served as his Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.

Cremation rites were accorded and services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield Salvation Army, 1600 E. Clear Lake Ave. Springfield, IL. 62703, centralusa.salvationarmy.org.