William Sowders Sr.

William Edward Sowders Sr. passed away peacefully, at home with family on February 9, 2022, at the age of 66.  He was born on September 21, 1955, to Clyde James Sowders and Gladys Littlefield in Waco, Texas.  His visitation service will be held at Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell, TX on February 12, from 4pm-8pm, with a Rosary at 7pm. The Mass of Christian burial will be on Sunday February 13, at 2pm, at the Holy Rosary Catholic church in Frenstat, Father Melvin Dornak as Celebrant.  The burial will follow at the church cemetery.

William married Virginia Ann Rathjen on June 21, 1975.  She was the love of his life. He also had a love for cars, especially his 2010 Maroon Chevrolet 6.2-liter V8 super sport Camaro.  He was a Volunteer at the Somerville Fire Department for over 40 years. He was always willing to help. He loved riding his 4wheeler, checking his cattle and watching Paw Patrol with his grandchildren. When he could he loved to fish and watch “America’s favorite team” The Dallas Cowboys. He also loved watching TV shows that involved rebuilding or restoring cars. He was a joyful person and he enjoyed uplifting others. He will be missed by many, especially his family.

William is survived by his wife Virginia Sowders of Caldwell, TX; his mother Gladys Sowders, of Snook; TX; his son Billy Sowders Jr. and wife Julia of Somerville, TX; his daughters Jennifer Broaddus and husband Brian, Kimberly Sprouse and husband Bill, Laura Koerth, all from Caldwell, Tx; and daughter Megan Sowders and partner Dustin Calhoun of College Station, TX. His beloved grandchildren: Preston, Ashlynn, Ryan, Payton, Riley, Abby, Makaylah, Maddy, Jace, Jaxon, and Maddox. His sister Lynda Dee Sowders of Snook, TX; mother-in-law Annie Rathjen of Caldwell, TX; brothers- in-law Glen Rathjen; Darrell “Joe” Rathjen and wife Nola; Darwon “Skeeter” Rathjen and wife Connie, all from Caldwell, TX. His sister- in-law Ann Sowders of Somerville, TX; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father Clyde James Sowders Sr., father-in-law AC Rathjen; Brothers Clyde James Sowder Jr. and Walter Mikel Sowders; sister Kathy Lou Leasure, Grandson Tobias King Calhoun, and Nephews Fredrich Adam Sowders, and Jordan Blake Rathjen, and great nephew Chase Sowders.

Serving as pallbearers is Preston Sprouse, Payton Sprouse, Ryan Broaddus, K.C. Leasure, Matt Sowders, Alan Rathjen, Garrett Rathjen and Austin Rathjen. Honorary Pallbearers are the members of the Somerville Volunteer Fire Department.

The family ask that any memorial contributions be made to the Holy Rosary Catholic Church cemetery fund or to the Somerville Volunteer Fire Department.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell. We invite you to visit our website at www.stricklandfuneralhomes.com and sign the online register book.