Reverend Richard A. Sowards, 80, of Gardner, Kansas passed away January 17, 2015. Richard was born February 4, 1934 in Crown Point, Indiana.

Survivors include his wife Adelle J. Sowards, children, Kim Sowards Gordon, Karen (Joseph) Sowards Rogers, Richard Gregory (Tammy) Sowards, Rachel Umbarger (heart adoption); Grandchildren Ryan (Sara) Gordon, Sean Gordon, Eric (Rachel) Gordon, Brianna Gordon, Caleb (Brittany) Rogers, Kendra Rogers, Kelsey (Caleb) Sowards Grimm, Tyler Sowards, Chad Sowards; Great Grandchildren Elijah Gordon, Lana Gordon, Audrey Gordon, and Dawson Miller.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.



It’s been said, that a man’s home is his castle
But being a king is always a hassle.
So much responsibility, that can’t be neglected
If the position of king, is to be respected.
Richard gave to his family, more than deserved
He led by example, he taught and he served.
He worked in the church, like none other
Many were thankful, for this Christian brother.
He taught in a prison, he even cut meat
He thought serving his country, was an honorable feat.
To provide for his family no job was too small
He stooped to scrub toilets so his family stood tall.
Then his pet shop business he worked and he ran
And each of his family became his biggest fan.
His greatest desire was to see the lost saved
So the road to heaven for many he paved.
Christ made the road and opened the gate
Then He used Richard so no one would wait.
More than all others on earth, he loved his dear wife.
No-one was above her, with the exception of Christ.
To his children he gave, all that he could
Even when using, his paddle of wood.
His grandchildren loved him, with utmost compassion
Even though sometimes, they laughed at his fashion.
He also had, some great grandchildren too
Each one of these, he loved through and through.
Accidentally a bullet, through the fridge door did go
But a small piece of duct tape, covered the hole.
He loved to make pancakes and charcoal some meat
Then when he sat down, man could he eat.
He was trying to communicate, that we all know
But no one understood, ’till he yelled, “Give me a bowl!”
You took a castle and turned it into a home
But now it is left with a bare empty throne.
So husband, father, pastor, veteran and friend
Even though your road has come to a bend
We know you’re in heaven right where you belong
We’ll see you again, it won’t be too long.
Our lights for Christ must always shine true
Because of your leading,
Richard, Poppi, Pappaw, Daddy, Grandpa, Dad, Sweetie, we will miss you.




To all who read this: Our Dad was a great husband, pastor, teacher, mentor, worker, Grampa, and friend. But to us he was simply, Dad or Daddy. He helped so many over the years, but not like he helped us. There were times we asked for help and times we were too little to realize we needed help. Whether learning to ride a bike, skip a stone or roller skate, his hand would gently guide us, looking past the, “I can do it, Daddy.” Then came times of instruction we weren't aware we needed until we became parents. It's difficult to imagine the strain of having to learn all of this on our own. We didn't have to, we had Dad. He taught us, molded us, encouraged us, cheered for us, and even spanked us. But most of all, he loved all of us. He taught us to lead, and then how to follow. Having none other than our heavenly Father as a model, daddy learned well. But, there is something to be said for having a Dad you can see, touch, and at times crawl into his lap. Dad was that for all of us. God sure knew what He was doing when He gave Dad to our family. He knew what each of us would need in a father. Dad, even in your absence, don't ever stop teaching us, we're not done learning.

Love,
Kim, Karen and Gregg