Henry B. Sowell

Henry B. Sowell, 84, of Georgetown, TX, went peacefully to the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, July 1, 2016.  Henry “Hank” Berthel Sowell was born January 6, 1932 in Houston to Joseph G. and Julia M. Sowell.  He grew up near downtown Houston, where he was always working on hot rods and racing down Main Street in Houston with his friends. He attended San Jacinto High School in Houston, TX before enlisting in the U.S. Naval Reserve, where he served for 3 years.

The day after he was discharged from the Naval Reserve, he joined the United States Marine Corps where he served another 3 years during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He was extremely proud of being a Marine, and never hesitated to offer a “Semper Fi” to any fellow Marine he met on the street.

After his return from Korea, he was the best man in a wedding for a good friend, which is where he met the love of his life, Eileen McMahan, who was serving as the Maid of Honor. A few months later, on June 7, 1958, they were married in a union that lasted nearly 54 years.

Henry lived a majority of his life in Houston and Missouri City, Texas and had a passion for yard work, mechanics, tinkering , working in his wood shop or anything related to car racing or the Marine Corps. He had a reputation in his neighborhood as the person who could build or fix anything. After his military service, he worked the large majority of his career at Watson Distributing Company in Houston. After his retirement, he moved to Willis, TX and worked another 16 years at Wedgewood Golf Course in Conroe, TX, before finally retiring to Georgetown, TX in 2010.  “Hank” was a caring, generous and loving father to his three children who are left to cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen; infant son, Jeffrey; sister, Anne Palmer-Wilson, brother, Willis Sowell, and his parents. Henry is survived by his three children:  Michael Sowell (Mandy) of Houston; daughter, Patti Wright (Todd) of Georgetown; son, Craig Sowell (Robin) of Georgetown; eight grandchildren, two great-grandsons, and one unborn great-grandchild in addition to his father-in-law, George McMahan of Houston, Brother Joe Sowell, Jr. (Jan) of Missouri City, sister Judy King (Bob) of Wimberley and numerous extended family members and friends. Graveside services will take place on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 11am at Forest Park – Westheimer, 12800 Westheimer Rd. in Houston. Family will receive friends at graveside beginning at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Henry’s name to the United States Marine Corps Association.