Roger Lynn Sowder, age 70, a resident of Alto, NM for 32 years passed away peacefully on Friday, July, 2015, at his home surrounded by family.
Roger loved his family, friends and his career in early childhood education. He was a devoted husband, father, granddad, brother, and teacher. He was extremely outgoing, lovable, adventurous, and an entertaining actor of the best kind. Roger attended school at Three Way and Muleshoe, then graduated from Portales High School and Eastern New Mexico University. He excelled in the classroom and on the football field being a leader in both.
This translated to success in many areas of his life. Roger began his career with 13 years of teaching in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He later became principal at Nob Hill Early Childhood Center in Ruidoso, NM where he spent 20 years loving, teaching and entertaining young children.
He won many awards throughout his career. The most prestigious being the National Elementary Principals Award for the state of New Mexico awarded to him at a ceremony in Washington D.C. In addition to his career, Roger loved music and played guitar, mandolin and harmonica. He also loved acting and won many awards while participating in the Lincoln County Little Theater.
Roger is survived by his wife and caretaker, Marsha Sowder of Alto, NM; a sister, Janice Farris & husband Dub of San Antonio, TX; a brother, Joe Sowder of Muleshoe, TX; step-children, Maggie Griego, Ginni Naegle, Monica Naegle, Johnny & Christine Naegle, Garrett & Jane Naegle; and Sam & Joanna Naegle; 11 step-grandchildren and 2 step-great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and treasured friends. Words cannot express how much Roger will be missed!!
Roger was preceded in death by his father and mother, Everett and Opal Ruth Sowder; brothers, Bill and Mick Sowder; sisters, Betty Sowder and Frankie Loter; and a step-son, Matthew Griego.
A memorial service to celebrate Roge'rs wonderful life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2015, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Muleshoe, TX. We hope you will join us for this time of remembrance to honor the LIFE of ROGER LYNN SOWDER

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Clovis News Journal and Portales News-Tribune from Jul. 13 to Jul. 14, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Roger Sowder

31 Entries

Roy Seay

March 10, 2016

Oh No! I just saw this - great guy, played softball together for years,,,,schools and student loved him....he was always busy in the community...
Thoughts for the family and friends...Roy Seay

Ruth Reidy

December 8, 2015

I remember Roger at ENMU, and liked him a lot in the 1960s. Just saw a note in the Eastern Alumni Bulletin on Roger's passing. My condolences to his family.

Natalie Rushing

August 3, 2015

I worked with Mr. Sowder at Nob Hill Elementary. I will always remember his smile and gentle ways. He came to my classroom my first year teaching and I immediately recognize "Aunt Pearl's" eyes, and said " Mr. Sowder" he then then gently said "shhhh" I am here to read to your students. I will always think fondly of Mr. Sowder.

Anna (Jenkins) Foster

July 19, 2015

My condolences to Janice & the rest of Roger's family. We were classmates at Portales High.
He was the nicest young man in our class. I'm sure he will be missed. God Bless.

July 15, 2015

Rog, you were he brother I never had. With our dads who were brothers and our moms who were sisters and living just a mile apart out on the farm, there was not one you know that I didn't know and visa versa. We were like two peas in a pod. I have so many wonderful, and funny, memories of you that I will always cherish. Love you forever man! Marsha, thank you for taking such good care of him in his last years. God gave you to him for just that purpose, and you were magnificent! Bless you for caring do deeply, and giving so freely of your self.
Sam Sowder, San Antonio, Tx

Cindy Wall

July 14, 2015

I worked with Roger at Nob Hill and what a wonderful human being he was. He loved being with the kids and was a "kid" himself. Love him and he was a jewel to work for and with.

July 14, 2015

we are sorry for the loss sonny and marilyn mccoy portales God bless you all during this time

July 10, 2015

Roger popped into my mind today, for some reason I needed to hear "steady!" Roger would say that nearly every performance before we walked onstage. A few hours ago a friend told me Roger had passed. Roger and I spent many wonderful hours onstage with Ruidoso Little Theatre. He was a warm and generous person and actor, his comedic timing was perfect, and some nights in "Greater Tuna" were so magic we had to struggle not laugh at ourselves. In real life he touched so many more people; my heart goes out to Marsha and his family who knew him best. I miss my friend, Mary Maxson, Nogal, NM

Don & Jodee Damron

July 10, 2015

He was such a great guy He will really be missed.

Tonya Chee

July 10, 2015

mr. sowder was the first and last principle i can remember. he always made a point to have all children feel special. Sending the family my sincere condolences!

Dion Valdez

July 9, 2015

Definitely a good man.. Made u feel welcome even if he didn't know u. Rip

Katherine Leann Ladd

July 9, 2015

Roger was such a great friend - met him at ENMU - we were both Freshmen together!! He was so dedicated to his students and they loved him!! Thoughts and prayers to Marsha and family!! Roger will be truly missed!!!! Rest in peace dear friend!!!!

Debbie Rogge

July 9, 2015

Was a good man and respected by all.

Megan Jones

July 9, 2015

Prayers for your family... I remember Mr. Sowder was my principle he was an amazing man.. I'm gonna miss him

Colinda "coco" Hinkle

July 9, 2015

My condolences to
The family. I remember him in school. He really cared about his students.

Frances Compton McCollum

July 9, 2015

So sorry to learn about Roger. Always enjoyed him in high school. Found memories at PHS. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Francie

Bethany (Rogge) Kriegel

July 9, 2015

Kindergarten was long ago for me but I still remember how exciting assemblies were when we would be (not so) patiently waiting for Mr. Sowder to come in clapping. He was a great principle. I only hope my kids have the opportunity to enjoy an educator as much as I did.

Linda Robison

July 9, 2015

A loss for Ruidoso and Roger's family... A win for the heavens...

Kelley Sage

July 9, 2015

Mr. Sowder was such an amazing principle to all students at Nob Hill. I have many warm memories of him walking the halls and making us laugh. He touched many lives through his work in education. May his family and friends be surrounded by love and good memories during this difficult time.

Maria Seidel

July 9, 2015

Roger had such a huge impact on so many lives in our community. Working with him at Nob Hill allowed me to see the true light of his spirit and character. They way he lit up a room was noteworthy. He was definitely one in a million. May you always keep smiling down upon us and may God be with Marsha and your family during this difficult time. Rest in Peace, Roger. You were a great mentor and will forever hold a special place in my heart!
Mrs. Wishy Washy was one of my favorite characters that he would take on for the kids. We have shared so many wonderful "teachable" moments.

Mike Burns

July 9, 2015

Today we say goodbye to a loving, sweet man. Thank you Roger for the wonderful memories we have to help us continue on. Love and hugs to Marsha and family!!

Texie Cole Royal

July 9, 2015

So sorry for your loss. Roger never met a stranger and would see the humor in any situation. He will be missed greatly.

Thomas Muldowney

July 9, 2015

What a great man that had a Heart for children. he was a great principle I have great memories of him.

Tommie Turner

July 8, 2015

Your love for people and ability to make us laugh were so inspiring! Love and prayers to all.

Janet Hembey

July 8, 2015

Roger was a sweet kind man, and we loved his jokes and his wonderful laughter. He will be greatly missed. Marsha, you and your family our in our thoughts and prayers. RIP Roger.

Victor Montes

July 8, 2015

GOD BLESS MR SOWDER MAY HE REST IN PEACE AND PRAYERS TO MS SOWDER AND FAMILY

Debbie Myers

July 8, 2015

Roger was a very special principal & person. The children & parents really liked him & his sense of humor. He will be missed! He's in a good place now! Marsha was the best caretaker I've ever known!!!

Mark Jones

July 8, 2015

I.m deeply sorry to hear the passing of Roger he was bright talented man with passion to kids well being in bringing laughter and smile to those he Love, From his Pig Noses in school. My kids had fine memories. I will always remember his laughter he brought. Keep the Heavenly skies smiling from above.

MADISON SOWDER FAMILY

July 7, 2015

THE WORLD WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITHOUT ROGER SOWDER.GREAT GUY AND HE WAS ALWAYS A HAPPY PERSON.DID SO MUCH FOR OTHERS. PEACE BE WITH YOU.ROG.

James Dibley

July 7, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Cathy Overdorf

July 6, 2015

Roger was my principal for many years when I taught at Nob Hill. He was always supportive and full of life. He had a terrific sense of humor and loved the children he worked with. He touched the lives of many children and teachers. I know all who knew and loved him have many precious memories.

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