SOWLE, DAVID

1936 – 2024

David Harold Sowle, thoughtful and generous husband and father passed away on May 4, 2024, at the age of 88.
Dave was born in Mt. Pleasant, Mich., to Harold and Bernice Sowle. There he attended Sacred Heart Academy and Central Michigan University. After graduation Dave relocated to San Diego, Calif., as a Lieutenant Junior Officer with the US Navy. While in the Navy he met his lifelong partner Martha Joy James in 1961

Remaining in southern California, he earned his Masters Degree at Pepperdine University, while beginning a career with State Farm Insurance Company. Dave and Joy welcomed son, Eric, in 1969. Following his career, the family relocated to Salem, Ore., in 1977. When not working Dave enjoyed his outdoor hobbies including tennis, skiing, and later windsurfing. He retired in 1997 and had no problem filling his days with walking and running through Minto-Brown Island Park, delivering Meals-On-Wheels, participating in vintage car rallies with Eric, traveling, or meeting with old friends and colleagues for breakfast.
He will be deeply missed by his wife of 63 years, Joy Sowle; son, Eric Solwe; daughter-in-law, Erinn Sowle; brother, Jack Sowle; sisters, Sue Fisher and Coleen Wolfe.