Denny J. Souder

Dennis Jay Souder, age 64, passed away on Sunday, July 4, 2010. He was born in Columbus on Sept. 11, 1945. Denny graduated from Gahanna Lincoln High School in 1963, and went on to earn a degree in biology from Muskingum College in 1967. He returned to Gahanna Lincoln to teach biology and chemistry, and he coached football and track. He was inducted into the Gahanna Lincoln High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1985 for his athletic accomplishments. After receiving a Master’s in School Administration from The Ohio State University, Denny served as assistant principal at Gahanna Lincoln, and then principal at Gahanna Middle Schools East and South. After retiring from Gahanna Schools, Denny served as technology director for Granville Schools, and he owned a lawn mowing business with his 3 sons. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 40 years, Tonia Souder; children, Jason (Sarah) Souder, Matthew (Erin) Souder, and Todd Souder; mother, Eloise Souder; sister, Beverly Sweeney; grandsons, Jace and Sawyer; sister- and brother-in-law, Lynn and Gary Carden; and many nieces, nephews, other family members, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Souder. Denny was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, was a former 32nd Degree Mason, and was a current board member and treasurer of the Gahanna Lincoln Athletic Hall of Fame. With all of his accomplishments, he remained a humble man. His generosity will continue as Denny gave the gift of life though organ and tissue donation. Above all, he was devoted to his family, and he will be greatly missed. A memorial service in honor of Denny will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 8, 2010, at Peace Lutheran Church, 455 Clark State Road, Gahanna, with Pastor Kai Nilsen officiating. Friends may gather from 10-11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Gahanna Lincoln High School Athletic Hall of Fame, 160 S. Hamilton Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230. Arrangements by Schoedinger Northeast Chapel. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a favorite memory of Denny.