Robert Eyler Sowl

Robert E . Sowl, 88, passed away at Roo-Lan Healthcare Center in the early hours of Friday, June 4, 2010. Robert, was born on June 18, 1921, in Silver Creek, Nebraska, to Margaret and Fred Sowl.

In 1940, Robert joined the CCC and in February 1942, he enlisted in the US Army. He was extremely proud to have served his country during WWII and the Korean War. On D-Day, he was in the fifth wave of troops to land on Omaha Beach. During the Korean War, he was part of the Inchon Landing, where he was wounded. In 2004, Robert was awarded the French Jubilee of Liberty Medal for the liberation of France and a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for the Battle of Normandy.

While on military assignment in Germany, Robert met his wife, Anna. In 1960, Robert and Anna and their family settled in Lacey.

Robert retired from the military after 22 years of service and then found employment with Georgia Pacific for the next 20 years.

Robert is survived by his wife, Anna of Lacey, and three children: Peter (Stephanie) of Bothell, Monika (Don) Simpson of Olympia, Gertie (Ron) Vannoy of Lacey and Fountain Hills, AZ. He is survived by one grandson, Mitchell Sowl. He is also survived by three sisters: Ardean (Bob) Styer of Pullman, Margaret Johnson and Sharon Sowl of Nebraska.

Robert was preceded in death by this brothers: William, Don, and Wayne. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thank you to the caring and nurturing staff at Roo-Lan Healthcare Center for their dedication and compassion. We also wish to express our sincere gratitude to the VA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances be sent to Disabled American Veterans. A memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 2:00 pm at Mills & Mills Olympic Memorial Gardens on Littlerock Road in Tumwater. A private family inurnment was held at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent.