Richard Lee Sowell passed away on June 28, 2020, at his home in Sun City West, Arizona, with family and his devoted furry companion, Cody, by his side. Richard was born on July 17, 1933 in Los Angeles, California, to Lee and Donna Sowell. Richard’s parents, sister Geri, and two step-sister’s Leona and Fern, have preceded him in death.
Richard was raised in California, and graduated from high school before enlisting in the Navy at the age of 19, during the Korean War. After he returned home, he secured employment with Pacific Bell Telephone Company, married his wife of over 62 years, Darlene, settled into a home in La Mirada, California, and together they built a family of two boys, Michael and Rick, and one daughter, Charlotte.
Richard moved his family to Phoenix after transferring to Mountain Bell Telephone Company in 1973. His career spanned 33 years before retiring and building his cabin home in Forest Lakes, Arizona. His life-long dream. He loved being at the cabin, gardening, feeding the critters, and all his hummingbirds.
In his younger days, he played softball and golf. He especially enjoyed playing baseball, and eventually reached AA ball. Richard loved the outdoors, and spent many years with his family, hunting, fishing, camping, “jeeping in our Yoty” in the sand dunes, and scuba diving. He even rode a motorcycle for a while, and flew an airplane. These were short-lived as he had difficulty with the “landings.”
In retirement, Richard, Darlene and the “Phone Folks” club travelled in their motorhomes from Canada to the tip of Cabo, and all places in between. He made many life-long friendships along the way. He also discovered the joy of being back on the water, cruising the seas, traveling worldwide. Richard’s last cruise two years ago was with most of his family, kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. His joy was evident as he watched the little ones as they ventured on their maiden voyage. His joy could only be matched by his love of sharing the experience with his family.
Richard is survived by his wife, Darlene, son’s Michael and Rick, daughter Charlotte Collins, granddaughter’s Cassandra Roush, Kimberly Cheney, Jessica Morgan, grandson’s David, Ricky and Ryan, great-grandson Tristan Judd, and great-granddaughter’s, Peyton, Nicole and Natalee Cheney, and Lacie Haney. He will forever be remembered, and forever in our hearts.
Richard is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. During his short battle with cancer, and throughout his life, the Church and its members have been a great source of comfort to him.
A private service for the family will be held at 10:30 a.m. on July 6, 2020, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
Please feel free to leave your best regards to the family via this website.
FAMILIA
Darlene SowellSpouse
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18