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Sterling Sowden Obituary
STERLING "SATCH" JON SOWDEN
Colonel, USAF (Ret.) Age 66
of Gainesville, Virginia died Thursday, February 15, 2007 at his residence in his beloved Lake Manassas community.
Col. Sowden was born March 5, 1940 in Scranton, Pennsylvania son of the late Sterling and Christine Sowden. His distinguished flying and service career is reflected by the many medals awarded to him, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with two Silver and one Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He served in Bolivia, Guatemala, Panama and Mexico. He retired from the Air Force in 1990 after serving as Air Attache in the US Embassy in Spain.
He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Benet; his son Nate, and his daughter, Erin, their spouses, Michelle and John; one brother, John Sowden; three sisters, Barbara McConnell, Marilyn Szilagyi and Jayne Sarro and three grandchildren, Sofia, William and Macgregor Sowden.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at PIERCE-PRICE FUNERAL HOME, 9609 Center Street, Manassas. A Celebration of Col. Sowden's life will be offered at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 7 at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held 9 a.m. Thursday, March 8, 2007 at Old Post Chapel, Fort Myer with interment to follow at Arlington National Cemetery with Full Military Honors.
Donations in memory of Sterling J. Sowden may be directed to The Lance Armstrong Cancer Foundation, National Mail Processing Center, P.O. Box 6003, Albert Lea, MN 56007-6603 or United Services Organization. Condolences may be sent to: www.pricefh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sterling Sowden
Ann Fonfara
March 7, 2007
Benet,Nate,and Erin,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so thankful that I have had the privilege of meeting Satch. He was a Gentle Man and a Gentleman.
I will always remember his devotion and love he had for his grandchildren, and his caring for our Charlotte.
How blessed you are to have had him as a husband, father, and grandfather. He truly touched my heart.
Remember he will always be the
angel on your shoulder, and may God continue to hold you in the palm of His hand.
Bob Morgan
March 6, 2007
Satch and I were friends in high school, and afterwards we were lifeguards together in the summer.(Great fun)
After hearing of his heroic service for our country these words of Grantland Rice come to mind for our friend Satch:
"For when the One Great Scorer comes
To write the score against your name,
He marks not if you won or lost-
But how you played the game."
'til we meet again, Satch.
Ginny Motyka
March 5, 2007
Satch, The years have flown by since high school, but I always knew you would be successful. Thanks for serving our country so courageously. Benet and family, you have my deepest sympathy.
Kay and Steve Cummings
March 4, 2007
Satch, we never did get in that round of golf. Thanks for your honorable service to the country, and your help as a neighbor. You will be missed in the neighborhood.
Bob Downing
March 2, 2007
Satch was not a close friend at Lehigh, but almost 50 years ago when I used to see him in his ROTC Air Force Uniform, I remember thinking "that guy will be special". And his warrior record proved it. Many thanks for all your service Satch.
Bob Downing L'62
Paul Missel
February 28, 2007
A true professional, gentleman and friend. You will be missed..but remembered.
Don De Mooy
February 28, 2007
It was my privilege to know Satch and live with him at Theta Delt for four years. Great times and fond memories! You are remembered, my friend.
Dave Lyons
February 26, 2007
A wonderful Air Force career and life was had by Satch!
Godspeed Satch!
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Funeral services provided by:
Pierce Funeral Home and Cremation Services9609 Center Street, Manassas, VA 20110
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