John Walter Souder's Obituary
John W. Souder, age 93, of Lewes died peacefully on Saturday, April 14 at The Moorings of Lewes (formerly Cadbury at Lewes). John was born in Hogestown, PA. His family later moved to Palmyra, PA where he completed high school and worked for the Hershey Chocolate Corporation until he was drafted into the US Army in March 1943. In March 1944, shortly after completing basic training, he was sent to Italy with the 85th Infantry. He participated in the Battle of Cassino and was part of a group captured by the German Army in May 1944. He remained a POW until April 1945.
After his discharge from the Army in Dec. 1945, John returned to Palmyra and began working for a plastering contractor. He met Signa, and they were married in May 1948. They moved to Delaware in 1950, living first in Georgetown and then Midway. After working for a time with local contractors, John started his own plastering business which he operated for many years. He later worked as a wholesale hardware representative until his retirement.
John was a long-time member of Epworth United Methodist Church where he served for a time as the Superintendent of Sunday School. He was a member and Past Master of Jefferson Masonic Lodge in Lewes. He was a skilled woodworker and especially enjoyed carving birds.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years Signa M. Souder, his daughter Suzanne Souder and her husband Glenn Rill of New Castle, his son John R. Souder of Milton, his son Eric H. Souder of Annandale, Va, 2 nieces, and 1 nephew. He was predeceased by his parents, his sisters Helen and Ruth, and 1 nephew.
Funeral services preceded by Masonic Services will be held on Tuesday April 24, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Epworth United Methodist Church where viewing will be held beginning at 10 AM. Burial will be private at All Saints Cemetery, Angola.
In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to Epworth UM Church, Mortgage Fund, 19285 Holland Glade Rd, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
Please sign the online guest book at this site.
What’s your fondest memory of John Walter?
What’s a lesson you learned from John Walter?
Share a story where John Walter's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John Walter you’ll never forget.
How did John Walter make you smile?
