David Lee Sowards, 72

David Lee Sowards, 72 of Hilliard formerly of West Portsmouth, died Thursday November 25, 2010 at his home surrounded by family and friends. He was born December 21, 1937 in West Portsmouth to the late Preston and Elizabeth Schuler Sowards. He was a 1956 graduate of Portsmouth West High School and was retired from the Timken Company after 28 ½ years as a machinist. He was an Army Reservist and a member of the Northwest Freewill Baptist Church. Along with his parents David was preceded in death by 2 sons; Gregory Allen Sowards and Thomas Ryan Sowards, and 2 brothers; John and Paul Sowards.

David is survived by his wife of 48 years, Shirley Jenkins Sowards who he married on June 23, 1962, a daughter-in-law Jenny Sowards of Grove City, a granddaughter Stephanie Sowards of Grove City, 2 brothers; Peter Sowards of Chillicothe and Joe Sowards of West Portsmouth, 2 sisters; Linda Hodge of West Portsmouth and Juanita Lewis of Blue Creek.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Wednesday December 1, 2010 at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth with John Meade officiating. Interment will be in McKendree Cemetery with graveside military rites by James Dickey Post 23 American Legion. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday starting at noon. Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com