Lawrence M. (Larry) Sowders, age 68, of Leesburg, Ohio, passed away on Friday morning, April 18, 2025 at his sister's home surrounded by his family.
He was born January 9, 1957 in Cincinnati, Ohio, 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, that will be dearly missed.
Surviving are his 6 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; 7 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, 2025 at 12:00 pm with Rev. Mike Paraniuk officiating. Interment will follow in the Hightop Cemetery, Samantha, Ohio. Please join the family for a Celebration of Life at the Creekview Barn beginning at 2:00 pm.
Contributions in Larry's memory may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 4832 Cooper Rd. 366 Blue Ash, OH 45242.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
138 East Main Street, Hillsboro, OH 45133

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