Edward Sowden, 94, of Queen Creek, Arizona passed away Friday, April 3, 2020, peacefully in his home with his best friend and son, John Mayo, by his side.
Born January 14, 1926, in Duryea, Pennsylvania to George and Edith (Brown) Sowden, Ed is described as a “hell of a good man” and a 21st century John Wayne in every aspect. He dedicated his life to his family and loved his wife, Wanda Sowden, immensely. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for her. They married in 1974 and were never apart from each other. Ed spent his life committed to her even after he laid her to rest in 2006. While Ed had a difficult childhood, growing up in a coal-mining town of Pennsylvania, he would eventually graduate high school, join the United States Air force, and when he was 27 years old he moved to Arizona and made that his forever home, living in the areas of Mesa, Chandler, and Queen Creek, where he spent 34 years as a Civil Service Engineer.
Ed loved to spend his free time hunting, fishing, camping, and adoring his lovely bride. He is remembered as a “cowboy of the old country” and loved being outdoors. His love, loyalty, and dedication could not be matched.
Ed is preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Wanda (Beekman) Sowden; his children, Cynthia and Mikel; his late wife Helen (Conaway) Sowden, and his parents, George and Edith.
He lives on in the hearts of his children, Sue (Jim), Cynthia, Gary and Carol, Keith (Kay), Margaret, and John; grandchildren, Susan, Jamie, Jimmy, Lisa, Ricky, Justin (Kathleen), Carlene (Fritz), David, Mimi, Andy, Charity, Shiloh, Michael (Jessica), Tabitha, and Jeremy; great-grandchildren, Heather, Rachel, Alec, Quinton, Serenity, Kylanna, Aston, Coen, Amy, Madilynne, Andrew, Jolie, and Ayla; and many more family and friends.
He was also preceded in death by his son Mikel. Survived by his grandchildren Tabitha and Jeremy.
I will miss you Cowboy! Rest In Peace!
Grandpa Ed was a good man! When I would go to his house he would show me his horses and cows and we would talk about them. I loved to try and steal his hat. I also called him “Ornery” and for the life of me, I can’t remember what he called me…but it was our inside joke. I loved him and am glad he is free from the alignments he fought for so many years. Rest in peace my Ornery Grandpa, give my Grandma a kiss for me.
(He is my grandpa through marriage…Wanda had 3 kids: Cynthia, Carol and John. I am one of Cynthia’s daughters)
Ed and Wanda were married in 1972.
Daughter Carol had 4 children: Justin, Carlene, David, and Chauncey. There are now 7 grandchildren for Carol.
Grandpa Ed was a dear, sweet man who will be sorely missed. He had a number of terrible jokes and ornery comments. But he was still sweet.
Grandchildren Charity and Shilo and his great grandchildren
Ziggy, Shadow, Kylie, Ailani. Tee and Junior