Harry E. "Gene" Sowder

Harry Eugene Sowder, 65, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, November 5, 2023. He was born January 18, 1958, in Astoria, Oregon to Dale M Sowder and LaVerda Sowder Lockard (James).

After leaving Oregon he moved to Altoona, Iowa where he attended and graduated from Southeast Polk High School. Gene loved being an athlete where he lettered in several sports in high school, but his one passion came shortly after where he was a second-degree black belt in Tai Kwon Do. Gene was always an avid outdoorsman along with being quite the ladies’ man. He worked mainly in construction before working a warehouse job before retiring.

Gene is survived by his mother, LaVerda Lockard of Waukee; brothers, Dale of Nevada, IA, Bill (Nela) of Altoona, IA, and Terry (Terri) of Sandia, TX; and sister, DeeDee (Wes) of Waukee, IA.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dale Sowder; grandmother, Cloie Sowder (with whom he had a very special bond); and sister, Cindy Rinehart.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the American Legion Hall, 315 2nd Street, in Bondurant.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Gene.

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