Obituaries 2 May 2025

Lawrence M. (Larry) Sowders

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Lawrence M. (Larry) Sowders, 68, of Leesburg, passed away on Friday morning, April 18, 2025 at his sister's home surrounded by his family.  
 
He was born Jan. 9, 1957 in Cincinnati, the son of the late Lawrence Frederick and Janet Rose (Benson) Sowders.
 
Larry spent countless days casting a line into Lake Erie on his many fishing trips. A passionate golfer, he rarely missed a weekly round at Buckeye Hills Country Club, where he built lasting friendships on the fairways and greens. An unwavering Ohio State Buckeyes fan, Larry bled scarlet and gray. He dedicated over 30 years of his life to Western & Southern, where he was a district manager. Larry was a loving father, grandfather and brother who will be dearly missed.
 
Surviving are his six children, Jason Sowders, Melanie (J.D.) Hamilton, Kaela (Kyle) Kalkhoff, Logan Sowders, Brady Sowders and Bria (Adam Prather) Sowders; 14 grandchildren, Justin Sowders, Halle Hamilton, Emma Sowders, Hannah Hamilton, Chloe Prather, Cobi Prather, Charlie Sowders, Chasen Sowders, Aubri Kalkhoff, Brantley Prather, George Kalkhoff, Lennon Sowders, Hudson Kalkhoff and a grandchild on the way; seven siblings, Daniel (Dorothy) Sowders, Evelyn West, Alice (Derek) Watson, Janet (Bruce) Morris, Suzanne "Sam" Henson, Gloria (Glenn) Geck and Mark Sowders; and several nieces and nephews.
 
In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Mark  Henson.
 
A memorial service will be held at St. Benignus Catholic Church, 204 S. 2nd St. Greenfield, Saturday, May 10 at noon with the Rev. Mike Paraniuk officiating. Interment will follow in the Hightop Cemetery, Samantha. Please join the family for a celebration of life at the Creekview Barn beginning at 2 p.m.
 
Contributions in Larry's memory may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 4832 Cooper Road, 366 Blue Ash, Ohio 45242.

To sign the online guest book, go to edgingtonfuneralhomes.com.

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