Edgar Sowles

There has never been a more loving, caring, gentle, selfless husband, father, grandfather and friend than Ed Sowles. The life and love of Jesus overflowed from Ed and touched countless numbers of people. He shared Christ with everyone he met. He loved the Lord Jesus with all of his heart and radiated that love and grace to everyone he met. Only eternity will reveal the harvest of souls due to his love for Christ. Ed went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 16, 2013. He was reunited with his son, Tim. Who preceded him to glory six months earlier. What a glorious reunion that must have been. Ed is survived by his wife of 67 years, Thelma and three daughters, Cindy (Larry) Sheppard, Melanie (Bud) Kerr, and Kimberly (Brian) Whalen, who could not have asked for a sweeter, kinder, more tenderhearted, faithful father and grandpa. He is also survived by his daughter in law, Jane Sowles; his grandchildren whom he loved so much, Kimberly (David), Jonathan, Nathan (Alysha), Amanda, Monica (Jay), and Hannah; his great grandchildren, Alex, Christopher and William; his brothers, Evan 'Pete' (Mazie) Sowles and James (Kitty) Sowles. Ed was preceded by his parents, Walter and Della Sowles; sisters Marjorie Brown and Millie Wilson; brothers, Shorty and Virgil Sowles; and his son, Timothy Sowles. Ed served courageously in the defense of our country in World War II in the US Navy on the USS Gillette Destroyer Escort. He worked at GM Fisher Body as an Electrical Designer in Flint, MI for 32 years. He was a high school boys Sunday School teacher for 20 years and Sky Pilots Boys Club leader. He was a member and Deacon at Berean Baptist Church in Flint and worked in the Rescue Mission Ministry. He and Thelma moved to Grand Rapids where they have resided for 26 years. They attended Alpine Baptist Church. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 19 at Alpine Baptist Church, 692 - 7 Mile Rd. NW, Comstock Park. The family will greet relatives and friends one hour prior to the service. Memorial Contributions may be made to Alpine Baptist Church Building Project. To share a memory or photo and sign the family's guest book please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Edgar Sowles please visit our Sympathy Store.