The spirit of Eric Alan Sowards departed this earth on Monday, February 29, 2016 at Thomas Memorial Hospital, with his wife by his side.

He was born on February 23, 1960 to his late parents, Ravella Kay Christian Sowards Lanier and Donald Carl Sowards.

Eric grew up in Dunbar and was a 1978 graduate of Dunbar High School, where he excelled at football, track and was a member of the journalism team, and then attended Marshall University.
He truly enjoyed life and appreciated the opportunities he had to travel all around the world. Eric especially loved the trip he and his wife took to Hawaii. He was a talented artist, avid reader, WVU football fan and a wonderful friend to all.

Eric spent over 20 years as an Avionic Specialist in the United States Air force working on F-15 jet fighters and proudly served in Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia. His years in the Air Force took him from Arizona, England, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Florida and back to Arizona. He was the recipient of several prestigious Air Force awards throughout his career. Following his retirement from the Air Force he became a corrections officer at the Arizona State Prison until he moved back to his beloved West Virginia.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Teresa and her two children, Rachel and Jeffery Williams, all of Cross Lanes; his brothers, Donald C. Sowards of Nitro, Danny C. Sowards of Marmet; his aunt, Audre C. Kaye of Huntington; nieces, April, Michelle and Patricia Jo; his ex- wife, Patty Monroe and her son, David; many great nieces and nephews; and his pup, Dunbar.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar with Rev.Harold B. White officiating.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar

A private burial service will be held at a later date at Grandview Memorial Park, Dunbar.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.