Douglas Allen Sowle

1943 - 2015

Sowle, Douglas Allen; of Breckenridge, MI; passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2015, in Midland, MI; at the age of 71. Funeral Services will take place on Friday, January 23, 2015 at 1 p.m. at Breckenridge High School Gymnasium, Breckenridge, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2015 from 2 to 8 p.m.. with the family present from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI. Mr. Sowle was born in Osseo, MI on March 11, 1943, to the late Kincel and Vera Sowle. He attended Olivet College and Central Michigan University before becoming a 4th grade teacher in the Breckenridge Community Schools where he taught for the last 48 years, riding his bike to and from school whenever weather would allow. He was very active in the Boy Scouts of America beginning as a youth where he earned his Eagle Scout rank. Over the last 30 years, Mr. Sowle has been the Scoutmaster of Troop 600 of Breckenridge, helping many scouts earn the Eagle rank. He was a Vigil Member in the Order of the Arrow and a recipient of both the James E. West and Silver Beaver Awards while an adult leader. Doug was also a valued and active member of the Breckenridge Order of the Eastern Stars #323 and Breckenridge F & A M Lodge #406 where he served in many offices including Worshipful Master. He was the Eminent High Priest-Royal Arch Masons #123 of Alma. He was a member of the Knights Templar of Lansing Commandery #25 and George Hill Council #85 and was a Past Governor of York Right College #16 in Midland. Doug is survived by his wife of 30 years, Katherine, whom he met while both were attending clown school and were members of Clown Alley; his son, Cayce (Cynthia); and three grandsons, Carson, Clark, and Cooper of Beverly Hills, MI; brother, Darrell (Eva) Sowle of Osseo, MI; and sister, Diane (Howard) Shelkie of Okeechobee, FL; nieces and nephews; and a sister-in-law, Ann (Douglas) Ward of Medina, OH. Doug was preceded in death by his parents; and a granddaughter, Cecelia Rose Sowle. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Masonic Pathways or Boy Scouts of America. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.