Ivan Sowders

"Absent from the body… Present with the Lord"

Ivan Sowders, 94, went Home to be with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ on Tuesday, January 2, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. Ivan was born in Highcliff, Tennessee on August 29, 1923, and was the son of Calvin and Audie (Powers) Sowders.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Thelma (Jones) Sowders, and his children: Ivan W. (Gwyn) Sowders, C. Starr (Roger) Hubbs, April I. Sowders, Phillip M. (Barbara) Sowders, and David S. Sowders. He was the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren: Ivye, Glenda, Amy, Beth, Ashley, Andrew and Matthew. He also had eight great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild who brought him countless joy in his later years.

He is preceded in death by his parents and only brother, Claude Sowders of Clairfield, Tennessee.

Ivan was a born again Christian and faithful servant who was humbled to be able to serve his Saviour for more than 60 years. He was proud to serve with the United States Army in World War II and had a deep patriotic love for his country.

He dearly loved his church family at Cornerstone Baptist Temple, his pastor, Reverend Jerry Siler, and many dear friends who were like family to him. In his earlier years, he spent much of his time starting and growing mission churches where he would preach and sing with Thelma. Throughout his many years of Christian service, Ivan immersed himself daily in the Word of God and continued to deepen his love for teaching. Over the years, he taught many Sunday School classes from elementary grades all the way through senior saints.

In addition to singing, Ivan played guitar and the harmonica. It wasn't uncommon to hear him singing or whistling throughout the house. He loved Christian music (the good Baptist hymns, as he called them!) as well as Classical, Big Band and Orchestral. He was an avid baseball player for many years and was a loyal fan of the Cincinnati Reds.

"For me to live is Christ… To die is gain."


What is Dying?
By: Charles Henry Brent

A ship sails, and I stand watching till she fades on the horizon,
And someone at my side says, "She is gone, she is gone."

Gone where?
Gone from my sight, that is all; she is just as large as when I saw her;
The diminished size and loss of sight is in me, not in her.

And just at that moment I realize, there are others who are watching her coming,
And those voices take up the glad shout, "There she comes! There she comes!"

And that is dying.