Roger Edcar Souder

Mr. Souder could strike up a conversation with anyone and spin tales. He often said he was shy as a boy and had to learn these skills.

Mr. Souder was born in Hurst in 1921 and grew up on the family dairy. Mr. Souder faced early tragedy when his younger brother, three-year-old Elbert Gene, died after eating bad pecans. He liked to tell the story of sand blowing into the yard when his brother was born, making a place for the toddler to play, only to blow away after he died.

Mr. Souder graduated from Riverside High School in Fort Worth. He loved to tell about the night the boys disassembled the principal’s car and reassembled it on the roof of the school.

Mr. Souder met the love of his life, Bertha Lee Robertson, at a church youth party, where, he always said, he angled to be her partner for card games. The two soon married.

When World War II began, Mr. Souder enlisted in the U.S. Merchant Marine. He was honorably discharged after the war. Mr. Souder worked for Justin Boot Co. and moved up to vice president. He was later an executive with Tony Lama. He had been a member of the Fort Worth Stock Show Board of Directors since the 1980s, hosting a family outing to the rodeo each year, including this one.

Mr. Souder was a long-time president of the Everman ISD board. The elementary school that bears his name, on Rendon Road, was a point of great pride for him.

In retirement, Mr. Souder revitalized his uncle’s farm in Tolar, raising cattle and horses. He was active in his church and an avid hunter. He and Mrs. Souder traveled to nearly all 50 states and several continents. Recently, he spent his time organizing family photos and telling the old stories.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Bertha Lee Souder; mother, Edith Anderson Creamer, husband Johnny; father Hugh Souder; brother Elbert Gene; and great-grandson John Lee Philyaw.

He is survived by his son, Ronald Souder, and wife, Patricia; daughter, Paula Kaiser, and husband Randy. Grandchildren: Angela Holland, husband Brian; Stacy Dosier, husband Beau; Elizabeth Souder-Philyaw, husband Jason; Ray Souder, wife Rachel Erb. Great-grandchildren: Alex and Austin Holland; Gracelyn Dosier; Benjamin, Ruby, and Samuel Philyaw; Ella Souder.

Funeral services are on Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Moore Funeral Home in Arlington. Visitation is Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity.