Gerald Leon Souders

1934 - 2018

Gerald Leon Souders obituary, 1934-2018

BORN

1934

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Ted Dickey Funeral Home

2128 18th Street

Plano, Texas

Gerald Souders Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 19, 2018.

Gerald Leon Souders
Born on Easter Sunday, April 1, 1934, the 13th of 14 children, Gerald Leon Souders was the first of Chester and Frieda Souders' babies to be delivered in a hospital. He grew up in an area of Lancaster, Pennsylvania called Cabbage Hill, was an altar boy at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, worked at Howry's High Grade Meats, and attended Lancaster Catholic high school; all of which figured prominently in his colorful stories.
On January 19, 1952 he asked the prettiest girl in school to go steady, and Sybil O'Rourke said yes. Warned by nuns not to date those Souders boys, she was overwhelmed by his outgoing personality, the sparkle in his eyes, and his persistence. They married on August 25, 1956.
He was in love with his family. He doted upon his wife Sybil, who never doubted his love for one minute. Married 61 years, they celebrated their 50th anniversary by taking the kids and grandkids to Disney World, a dream come true for them. Their 3 sons and 2 daughters admired him greatly. To them, he was bigger than life.
After high school, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps and was stationed in Japan. He attended Franklin & Marshall College under the GI bill, earning his economics degree in 3 years. He worked in sales for Proctor and Gamble and Playtex until 1978, when he moved the family to Texas and began working for his brother John at Reacond Associates. There he learned the HVAC business as a manufacturer's representative and later took over the business that his son now leads. While many anticipated he would have a hard time adjusting to retirement, he happily occupied himself with golf, travel, and family. He might want me to point out he hit two holes-in-one.
Gerald was a man of great faith. A member of St Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, he served the parish as an usher, a greeter, and a lector. Though he had his share of heartache, he could only be heard counting his blessings. His sunny disposition and acceptance of circumstances included his diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
Gerald entered his eternal reward on January 19, 2018, holding his wife's hand and surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife Sybil, son Frank and wife Debra, son Steve, son Michael and wife Amy, daughter Jane and husband Chris Rowley, and daughter Amy and husband Tim Gill as well as beloved grandchildren Jennifer, Aubrey, Benjamin, Julia, Daniel, Max, Caroline, Eva, and Abbey.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, 1/24 at 10:30 a.m. at St Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Plano. Visitation will be held Tuesday, 1/23 from 6-8:00 p.m. at Ted Dickey Funeral Home, 2128 18th St, Plano. A rosary will be said at 7:30.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to PLAN of North Texas, a program supporting individuals with severe mental illness and their families. Send c/o Jewish Family Service; 5402 Arapaho Rd. Dallas TX 75248.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Not sure what to say?

February 4, 2018

Posted by

January 24, 2018

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January 23, 2018

John Finklea

I will greatly miss our front-yard conversations where he and I solved all of the world's problems together. It was our privilege to be his neighbor. Gerald was a warm person with a great perspective on life and a smile to match, I loved his sense of humor and I can only imagine the grief that all of his family must feel. Please know that you are in our prayers. May the Father of all mercy and the God of all comfort give you comfort and show you mercy in this time of great loss.

January 23, 2018

Joanne Stoffel

Frank your Dad would be so proud of you. Now I know where you got your charm and sense of humor from. I am deeply saddened by the the loss of your father but he is at peace. Love you and your family very much. Your favorite SIL. God Bless your family.

January 23, 2018

Aubrey Souders

Posted by Aubrey Souders

January 23, 2018

Aubrey Souders

Posted by Aubrey Souders

January 23, 2018

Aubrey Souders

Posted by Aubrey Souders

January 23, 2018

Aubrey Souders

Miss you Poppop

January 23, 2018

Family

Michael Souders

Posted by Michael Souders

January 23, 2018

Family

Michael Souders

Posted by Michael Souders

January 22, 2018

Erin Pacione (Joyce)

I am so saddened to hear of the passing of your dad. He was a wonderful man and I have many fond memories of him. You are all in my prayers.

January 22, 2018

Family

Michael Souders

Posted by Michael Souders

January 22, 2018

Family

Michael Souders

Posted by Michael Souders

January 22, 2018

Family

Michael Souders

Posted by Michael Souders

January 22, 2018

Family

Michael Souders

Posted by Michael Souders

January 22, 2018

Debbie Bishop

I am so sorry to hear of Gerald's passing. He will be missed by all in the neighborhood.

January 22, 2018

Jennifer Mussell

To the entire Souders family the Mussell family wishes comfort for each of you. Cherish the memories like we do with our Mom and Dad. Can't believe the last of the Souders clan is in heaven but at least they all are together once again having a hat party, singing, and dancing. Our Love to all.

January 22, 2018

Linda Rowley

I will miss Gerald's sense of humor and his laugh. I loved making him laugh. Gerald was a joyful man who lit up a room.
Bless the family during this difficult time. May your memories comfort you.
I will be praying for all of you and for that wonderful man Gerald.

January 22, 2018

Jenny Seymour

The light of Christ oozed through Gerald's big, handsome, friendly smile. Being around him always warmed our hearts, filled our time with laughter and love....we were blessed to know this dear man of God. Eternal rest grant unto him, Oh Lord. May perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God Rest In Peace.
We send the entire Souders family our deepest sympathies, much love and prayers. God bless you all.
The Seymour Family.

January 22, 2018

Lisa Crego

So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to your family.

January 21, 2018

Family

Michael Souders

Posted by Michael Souders

January 21, 2018

Family

Michael Souders

Posted by Michael Souders

January 21, 2018

Family

Michael Souders

Love you dad.

January 21, 2018

a loved one

Posted by a loved one

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

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