Edward Sowder Jr.

It was on a Sunday, August 24, 1930 that Edward Sowder, Jr. entered the world. The first born child of Eddie Franklin and Alice (Adams) Sowder.  They lived in the Dogwalk Community of Lincoln Co. Kentucky.  The following years saw his siblings Francis, Hazel, Helen, James, Faye and Ronnie added to the family. “Jr.” as he was known, knew early in  life  that farming would be his vocation.  He was always very serious about how work should  be done, and if one of his brothers slacked off, they usually got a clot of dirt thrown at their heads! There was no doubt who the leader of the family was.

March 12, 1948, Jr. married a little red haired neighbor girl, Bernice Lovings.  The young couple set up house keeping and farming on Brindle Ridge, just out of Brodhead, KY.  In 1951, Jr. joined  the Army, moving he and Bernice to New York and then on to Texas.  Jr. was a natural leader.  He moved up in rank quickly, and was a Master Sgt. when he left the  service in 1953.  In the Fall of 1954, a son, Billy Dean, was born.  In December 1956, Jr. and Bernice purchased a farm in the Spiro Community where they had a very successful Dairy for 31 years.  In December of 1961, a daughter Tracie was born to the family.  Throughout the years, Jr. became a farming leader in Rockcastle Count.  He as well known for his quality alfalfa hay.  Customers from all around KY and a couple state would purchase hay, year after year.  He was recognized as Southern Bell Dairy outstanding producer in 1964.  Later Jr. and Bernice would be recognized by WLEX-TV as outstanding Ky. Farmers with a segment on the news program.  The couple retired from farming in 2014.  But even then Jr. continued to do tractor work until the age of 91.

Of all his accomplishments, Jr. was most proud of his grandchildren: Craig, Cassie, and Ellie Sowder.  He would always tell them “Whatever you do, make a good hand”  Something he lived by, because he  thought if it had to be done, do it right!

Edward Sowder, Jr. passed from this world on June 22nd, 2024 at 10:03 PM following a long battle with congestive heart failure.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Edd and Alice Sowder; his wife of 75 years, Bernice; brother James, and Sister Hazel.  Those left to honor his legacy: son, Billy Dean (Debbie) Sowder;  daughter, Tracie Annette Sowder; grandchildren: Edward Craig Sowder, Cassondra Lynn Sowder and Ellie Grace Sowder.  Sisters: Frances Humphress, Helen Lunsford, Faye Gullett (Doyle).  Brothers, Ronnie (Joyce)Sowder, Mark (Wendy) Sowder, Christopher (Angela) Sowder, and David Sowder.  Plus a host of nephews, and nieces, friends and neighbors.

Pallbearers: Craig Sowder , Mark Sowder, Andrew Sowder, Ron Powell, Chris Sowder,  and Jeff Thompson

Honorary pallbearers: Jerry Hamm, Doug Hamm, Lester Bullock, Lonnie Lovings, and Ronnie Sowder