John "Dale" Sowder

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved, John Dale Sowder, age 86, of Canal Winchester. Dale joined the Lord in his heavenly home on Thursday, April 18, 2024, with his family by his side. Born August 23, 1937, to the late William and Gladys (Helton) in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Thompson; sister, Alene Sowder-Harper; and brother, Jack Sowder.

Dale was a devoted Christian; he faithfully attended the Pickerington Church of the Nazarene. He was an avid University of Kentucky basketball fan, so much that he “bled blue”. Go wildcats!
Dale was a true gentleman, he always thought of others and ways he could make them smile especially his wife, Jenny, grabbing special gifts just because he could. His effervescent personality is what drew everyone to him. He built lasting friendships with his sense of humor and his joyful hear
. He spent a great deal of his life working with and showing horses, he was a talented blacksmith shoeing horses and his loyal companion Sunrise Sue made the work seem effortless.

Most of all Dale cherished memories he made with his family, traveling to vacation spots, hunting, and snoring loudly in the background which all loved ones will miss. He leaves behind his loving wife of 42 years, Jenny Sowder; children, Ryan (Debbie) Sowder, Ramona (Tim) McGonagil; Kim (Noel) Colyer; Katrina VanGuelpen; and Rick Thompson; grandchildren, Joshua (Kelley) Colyer, Jacob (Roxie) Colyer, Reilly McGonagil, Jena (Logan) Kirkbride, Jesse Colyer, Jak Colyer, Justin Sowder, Zachary (Lauren) Sowder, Beth Thompson, Samuel Thompson, Rachel Thompson, Brenna VanGuelpen, and Kyle VanGuelpen; great-grandchildren, Jamison, Liam, Lincoln, Lawson, Landon, Vincent, Everett, Conrad and Paisley; close friends and dear to the hearts of Dale and Jenny, Darrel and Mary Price

All are welcome to visiting hours on Wednesday, April 24, from 11-1PM with a service to follow at 1PM at the DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, 650 W WATERLOO. St. Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110. Rev. Frank Priddy officiating. Burial will follow at Union Grove Cemetery.