William "Bill" Sowell

William Edward Sowell was born in Houston, Texas on June 28, 1945 to Edith Mae Helf and Hubert Monroe Sowell. He peacefully departed this life on April 8, 2014 at his home in Elgin, Texas surrounded by the love of his family.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Richard Monroe Sowell and Michael Ray Sowell.

He is survived by his loving wife, Janel Sowell and his sons, Ronald Lee Sowell of Austin and Dwayne Curtis Sowell and wife Audrea of San Antonio. He was called “Pop” by his grandchildren; Christopher Lynn Sowell and wife Kate of Austin, Jacob Allen Sowell College Station, Molly Ann Balich of San Antonio and Luke Edward Sowell of San Antonio. He was blessed with great-grandchildren; Maci Ann Marie Sowell of Austin and Westlynn Jake Sowell of Austin. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the source of great pride and joy.

Bill and Janel were married on July 11, 1964 and celebrated almost 50 years of marriage.

Bill grew up in Houston and had a career in the instrument business. In 1974, he joined Weed Instrument Company and moved his family to Elgin. Even though he grew up in Houston, he always dreamed of living in the country and raising cattle; so it was a great blessing to be able to buy exactly that just outside of Elgin. He had a great love of animals and took great pride in his family and his property. He and his wife, Janel, started a custom drapery business – Custom Designs – in 1980 and grew this company substantially until their retirement in 1996.

His family would like to thank the caring people at Resolutions Hospice and especially Robert James Dougherty M.D. for his help with so many aspects of his medical care.

A Visitation will be held 6:00-8:00 PM, Friday, April 11, 2014, Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, April 12, 2014, First United Methodist Church-Elgin. Burial will follow at the Elgin Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in his honor to the Elgin United Methodist Church, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.