Herbert George Souder Jr.

Herbert George Souder Jr., age 103, of Westville passed away Monday, February 13, 2023 at United Methodist Communities at Pitman. Born at home in National Park on March 29, 1919 to the late Herbert George Souder Sr. and Agnes (nee Ulrich), he was delivered by Dr. Underwood. Herb lost his father when he was three months old as a result of a US Navy Airplane Crash in the Delaware River. He attended National Park School and Woodbury High School. While attending Woodbury High School he found the love of his life, Millie O'May. He played football in the 1936 championship game and graduated in 1939.
Herb started working at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, first as a helper and then earned an apprenticeship in the Naval Aircraft Factory Division. In 1942 he joined the US Navy Reserves and served in World War II. Herb was an Aviation Machinist Mate 1st Class and flew in PBM's & PBY's which were known as flying boats. After his active service, he returned to the Navy Yard, finished his apprenticeship, and returned back to active service during the Korean War. After Korea he returned again to the Navy Yard where he was an Aviation Metalworker in the Air Crew Equipment Lab.
In 1943 he married Millie and together had three children. They moved to Westville in 1953 where he built several greenhouses, grew flowers and sold them to local florists. He was a mason in the Florence Masonic Lodge, and a member of the American Legion, Westville Seniors, Oak Valley Seniors, and the Widow & Widowers of Gloucester County. He also belonged to the Sojourners & Dutch Craft Campers, South Jersey Archeology Club, and the Abnaki Archeological Society. Herb spent hours digging & walking the grounds of South Jersey for Indian Artifacts.
He enjoyed watching the Philadelphia Phillies & Eagles, chowing down with his family, and going on bus trips with his friends. Herb had too many hobbies to mention but carved and painted beautiful birds that he shared with his family and friends. Several of his carvings earned ribbons. In his last year, he was known as the "Basket Man" at United Methodist Communities at Pitman where he coiled over 25 baskets for residents and staff.
Husband of the late Mildred Souder (nee O'May), he is survived by his children Nancy Dixey of Mickleton, Robert Souder & his wife Donna of Westville, and Ellen Moore & her husband Earl of Pitman; grandchildren Christopher Cummings & his wife Samantha, Barry Cummings, Danielle Bailey & her husband Eric, Andrea McIntyre & her husband Mike, Robert Deacon & his wife Kathy, and James Deacon; great grandchildren Kayla Jones & her husband Chris, Hannah, Wyatt, Trevor Cummings, McKenzie, Keegan, and Logan McIntyre, Robert Deacon III & his wife Knoelle, Ashley Sylvester & her husband Mike, Christian Deacon, Kyle Deacon, James Deacon Jr. & his wife Bridgette, and Nicole Deacon; great-great granddaughter Callie Deacon & baby Jones on the way, and his half-sister, Anna May Kocher. He was predeceased by his son-in-law, John Dixey, and half-brother Ralph Stites.
Family & Friends may visit from 9:30 am to 11:00 am on Monday, February 20th, at Smith Funeral Home, 47 Main Street Mantua, where a memorial service will be held at 11 am. Interment will be at a later date at Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Arneytown, NJ. As an expression of sympathy, contributions can be made to United Methodist Communities at Pitman, 535 N. Oak Ave., Pitman, NJ 08071. Click here to donate online.
Memories & condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.