Lon E. Sowers, 86, Gem, died Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, at Via Christi St. Francis Medical Center, Wichita, from injuries he suffered in an accident while driving his ox team near his home in Gem on Nov. 12.

He was born July 29, 1923, in Thomas County to James Orval and Ruby Ida (Nahrung) Sowers. He attended country schools before graduating in 1941 from Colby High School.

He married Mary Marie Saddler on June 20, 1943, in Gem. She preceded him in death Dec. 26, 1992. He farmed in Thomas County for 55 years.

Survivors include a son, Rue Sowers, Goodland; four daughters, Pat Ziegelmeier, Gem, Kathy Jamison, Quinter, Lynn Skinner, Perry, and Becky Twitchell, Larned; five brothers, Lewis, Bird City, Dwight, Colby, Frank, Benkelman, Neb., Ralph, Fort Bragg, Calif., and Robert, Gallup, N.M.; 15 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by an infant son and two infant grandchildren.

Services were Saturday at United Methodist Church, Colby; private inurnment will be at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to Thomas County Historical Society in care of Harrison Chapel, 190 S. Franklin, Colby, KS 67701.