Richard Sowers

Richard Lyle Sowers, Sr., 85, of Hummelstown, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12, 2015, in the Frey Village Retirement Center, Middletown. Born in Grand Rapids, MI, on August 19, 1929, he was the son of the late Clifford Henry and Estella Albright Sowers. Richard retired as a Project Superintendent from Texas Eastern Transmission Corporation where he was responsible for multimillion dollar construction projects that brought natural gas from the Gulf of Mexico to the Northeast. He was a graduate of Mount Pleasant High School, Mount Pleasant, MI. Richard was a former President of the Lions Club in Kenedy, TX; a Cub Scout Leader in 3 counties; and was a Little League Baseball coach. He enjoyed golf, baseball, woodworking, fishing, and coin collecting. Richard was a kind man who put his family above himself. Richard served proudly in the U.S. Army. Stationed in the strategic island of Okinawa he worked to build permanent military facilities that could withstand typhoons and enemy attacks. In his off time he was a champion boxer and pitcher on the fast pitch softball team. He is survived by his brother, Clifford L. Sowers of West Michigan; three sons, Richard L. Sowers husband of Sandra of Englewood, FL, David A. Sowers husband of Holly of Etters, and Robert L. Sowers of Hummelstown; two daughters, Sheryl L. Balke wife of Per-Olof of Grand Junction, CO, and Lisa M. Metz wife of Patrick of Hummelstown; nine grandchildren, Ryan A. Sowers husband of Emily, Todd A. Sowers, Andrew L. Sowers, Carrie Jo Sowers, Brendan M. Balke, Brianna M. Balke, Kristen E. Balke, Bryan P. Metz, and Adam M. Metz; one great granddaughter, Marie Christine Sowers; his first wife, Barbara L. Gaboardi Sowers of Camp Hill; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by a sister, Theodora L. Peters, and his second wife, Sandra H. Zeigler. Funeral service will be held Friday, July 17, 2015, at 11 AM in the Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown, with The Rev. John A. Schaefer, pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, Hummelstown, officiating. Interment with military honors will be in Hummelstown Cemetery. Friends will be received for the viewings in the funeral home on Thursday, July 16, 2015 from 6 to 8 PM and on Friday from 10 AM until time of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to have memorial contributions made to Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania, 1130 South 19th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104. A special heartfelt thanks to Dr. Walter B. Watkin, Jr., for providing nearly 30 years of exceptional medical care. The family is forever indebted.