David John Souder Sr.

  David John Souder Sr. entered the peaceful embrace of Our Heavenly Father in the early hours of March 1, 2025, in Valley View, Texas.

  Known for his sharp intellect, vast knowledge and sense of humor, David was always ready with sage advice and a hearty laugh when somebody was in need. His love for his family knew no bounds — he was a constant source of support, guidance, and unconditional love. 

  David was born to Archie and Myrtle Souder in Los Angeles, California, on May 14, 1938, though his family would eventually move to Shawnee, Oklahoma. In the first years of his adult life, David worked in Shawnee for the Rock Island Railroad. On October 21, 1961, he would return briefly to Los Angeles to marry his cherished wife, Linda Lee McMakin, whom he had met in church during their youth. David and Linda moved back to Oklahoma and had their first-born son, David Jr., in 1963. A year later, David Sr. and his budding family would move to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he would begin his long-lasting professional career for the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Traffic Controller. 

  Both his 2nd-born and 3rd-born sons, Timothy and Andrew, were born shortly afterward in Albuquerque, where David and his family lived until moving back to Oklahoma in 1972. His last-born child and only daughter, Sara, was born in Shawnee. A dedicated servant to his family and his country, David’s career would take the Souder family across multiple cities in multiple states, the final of which being Texas, where David, his children and his grandchildren remained to present-day. 

  David’s hard work and dedication to his job led to the opportunity to be an Instructor for the FAA’s ATC Training Academy in the later portions of his career. In 1985, he and his family would move to Keller, Texas, where he would remain for the remainder of his life. He retired from the FAA in 1999. 

  David’s true legacy was not found in professional achievements but the deep and moving commitment that he felt toward his family. He was a loving husband to his wife, a devoted father to his four children, and a doting grandfather. 

  David was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Timothy James Souder. 

  He is survived and deeply missed by his loving wife of 63 years, Linda Lee; his sisters, Barbara Busbee and Catherine; his children, Dave Souder Jr., Andrew and Dawn Souder, and Sara and Skip Valentine; and his grandchildren, Emmalee, Zachary, Austin, Jacob, and Samuel. They will forever cherish his memory and the profound impact he had on their lives. 

  A celebration of David’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, March 8th, at Galbreaith Pickard Hilltop Chapel, in Willow Park, Texas.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23