Cover photo for Douglas Eugene Sowell's Obituary
Douglas Eugene Sowell Profile Photo
1932 Douglas 2021

Douglas Eugene Sowell

March 27, 1932 — December 21, 2021

Clifton, Texas

Douglas Eugene Sowell, 89 passed away in Waco, Texas on December 21, 2021. Mr. Sowell died from Acute Myeloid Leukemia after a short illness.

Mr. Sowell was born on March 27, 1932 in Cranfills Gap, Texas to William L. Sowell and Lula A. McCormick Sowell. He was a graduate of Iredell High School. After two years at Tarleton State University and one year at Texas A&M University, Mr. Sowell became a U.S. Navy Pilot. He was among some of the first Marine helicopter pilots. Upon returning to civilian life, he graduated from the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, with a teaching degree. He then trained helicopter pilots who would fight in Vietnam at Fort Wolters in Mineral Wells, Texas. Douglas later became a test pilot for Bell Helicopter in Hurst, Texas. Mr. Sowell then became a pilot for American Airlines, retiring as a Captain in 1992.

In 1953 Mr. Sowell married Eloise Jenkins. They had two children, Karen Sowell Dickson, who preceded Mr. Sowell in death, and Charles Sowell. In 1976, Mr. Sowell married Patricia Steude and was married to her until his passing.

Mr. Sowell is survived by his wife, Patricia; his son, Charles; daughter-in-law, Celinda and their daughter, Faith; also survived by Karen's daughter, Heather Dickson and her two sons, Christian and Kyler.

A celebration of Mr. Sowell's life will be held at a later date.

Contributions in memory of Mr. Sowell may be made to the West Shore Volunteer Fire Department.

Arrangements were entrusted to Lawson Funeral Home, Meridian, Texas 254-435-2792.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Douglas Eugene Sowell, please visit our flower store.

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