Larry Delmar Sowders

larry sowders

October 7, 1941 ~ July 22, 2019

Larry Delmar Sowders, 77, of Knollwood Drive, died at 1:55 a.m. July 22, 2019, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility. Larry was born October 7, 1941, in Henryville, the son of Delmar L. and Kathleen Stephenson Sowders. He married Shirley M. Parish November 14, 1959. He felt very blessed to be a school bus driver, getting to know the local children on his route, as he saved money to open his own business. Larry became a successful Columbus businessman and entrepreneur; owning and operating several Waffle House Restaurants in southern Indiana. He was a life-time member of the Moose Lodge and long-time member of the American Legion. He enjoyed singing and playing cards, and was a big sports fan and long-time softball player. Larry was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He spent many hours watching his grandchildren participate in sporting events and school programs, and enjoyed their company anytime he was with them. The funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, July 26, 2019, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home, Columbus, Indiana, with the Reverend Jay Vanderbur officiating. Calling will be 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery following the service. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Survivors include his wife, Shirley; son, Randy D. (Robin) Sowders of Greensburg and daughters, Kathy L. Mann and Sandy R. (Dan) Asher, both of Columbus; brothers, Brad Sowders of Bedford and Scott Sowders of Bloomington; grandchildren, Justin Mann, Boone Asher, Delmar Andrew Sowders, Clay Asher, Jenna Malinsky, Trevor Sowders and Samuel Asher; and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Steve Sowders and sisters, Rheadawn Inman, Norma Bridwell and Patricia Hamilton.

 

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  1. Its with great sadness and fond memories hearing of the passing of Mr. Larry. I first met him when he drove the school bus the #13. He gave me my first job as a Dishwasher, I worked for his brother Mr. Steve on 2nd shift all through my high school years at the Waffle House. After High school I went in the Service. Four years later after I was discharged, I returned to Columbus. It was the early eighties and I was starting a family. I was working for a Factory in Edinburgh and was laid off for the winter. I contacted Mr. Larry and again he put me to work so that I could keep my family fed. Mr Larry was a amazing man. I ran into Mr. Larry and his Wife at the Legion a couple years ago. We got to Sing together. One song he sang was “Keeper of the Stars”, he would have made Tracy Byrd jealous, he really did it well. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

  2. I remember Larry and the whole family from the 50’s when they lived near Leesville. I know exactly where their home was. Such a handsome young guy. Saturday nights were spent at the old school house for square dances. I remember when Scott was born; Pat was called Pish; and his parents loved to dance. All sweet memories. My heart is saddened to read of his passing, but it’s obvious he was much loved and deservedly so. You all have my most sincere sympathy. Gretchen Baker Niflis Loman

  3. Kathy and Family,

    I am so sorry to hear about your lose our thoughts and prayers are with your family .
    Tim and Katrina Barr

  4. I met Larry at the legion in Edinburgh singing. karaoke. I loved it when him and Sherlie would come and sing. I will miss him deeply.

  5. I remember Larry, Shirley, Robin, Kathy, and Randy from when I was a kid and my dad worked at the Waffle House. My mom also worked there, but my dad was there when the one on National Road closed, and was there when the one on 46 closed. I have never met a more wonderful and caring man like Larry. He loved kids, the people who worked for him, and for people in general. He always gave people chances to better themselves if they wanted to.
    I am truly sorry for your loss, and I wish you all the best.

    Gerald Huntington


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