Roscoe E Sowder

Roscoe Eugene Sowder, age 80, left this world for his heavenly home on Tuesday November 7, 2023. Known to his friends and family as Gene, we will always remember his hearty laugh and his ability to tell a story like no one else. He loved nothing more than sitting on his porch swing, telling a good joke and “holding court” with friends that would visit. Gene enjoyed many years collecting and searching for Nascar memorabilia and Hot Wheels. He spent his final years tending to his beloved succulent garden and becoming the word search puzzle champion. His faith in God was always the most important thing to Gene. Just in this final year of life, he read the entire Bible beginning to end 14 times. A lifelong Christian, Gene attended Newell Christian Fellowship in Eubank Kentucky.

Gene was born on April 5 th 1943, in Greenwood, Indiana. His parents Roscoe and Lona Hall Sowder originally from Pulaski Kentucky returned to their original home place and Gene followed with his young family in 1972. He was employed at Crane Plumbing and retired from there upon their closing. Gene was a resident of Eubank Kentucky, where he was a little league coach, basketball coach, was an active member and president of Eubank Elementary PTA, and served for almost his entire life as a Sunday school teacher at Newell Church and also First Church of the Nazarene in Somerset Kentucky.

Gene leaves behind the love of his life, Carolyn Sue Clark Sowder formally of Indianapolis, Indiana. They recently celebrated 61 amazing years of marriage. He also leaves behind his 3 beloved children: Chris (Donna) Sowder of Richmond, Ky., Cyndi Sowder of Eubank, Ky. , and Genie (Leonard) Griffin of Dry Ridge, Ky.. Gene was the proud pawpaw to Meshayla Smith of Dunnville, Ky., Megan (Justin) Lane of Nancy, Ky., and Leonard Taisean Griffin of Dry Ridge, Ky. He was a great grandfather “Poppy” to 2
amazing little boys: Mason Doughty and Evan Smith of Dunnville, Ky. He will be missed most by his little lap dog, Mia Mae. He leaves behind many friends and family including a very special Nephew Ray Bryant.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and infant sister: James (Irene) Sowder of Eubank, Ky. , Donald Ray Sowder also of Eubank, and Juanita Lucille Sowder.

The Sowder Family would like to take this opportunity to thank the many friends, family, neighbors and church family who have come and spent time reminiscing with Gene while he was still in good health. It made his final time here on earth that much sweeter to know how many lives he had touched. 

We also want to express our immense gratitude to the entire caring staff of Hospice of Lake Cumberland who made it possible for Gene to stay in his home where he was happiest for so many months.

A celebration of a beautiful life will be held at Morris and Hislope Funeral Home in Science Hill, Ky with Bro. Ronnie Haste & Bro. Mike Erp officiating. Visitation will be held for family from 6-6:30pm and open for friends and neighbors from 6:30pm-8:30pm on Friday November 10 th . The funeral will follow on Saturday at 3pm. He will be laid to rest beside his parents and family at Freedom Cemetery, Eubank, Ky. immediately following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Gene’s name to the Hospice of Lake Cumberland to continue their invaluable work in our community or The Gideons International Bible donation organization.

Morris & Hislope Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at: www.morrisandhislope.com