Harold Lloyd Sowards

Harold Lloyd Sowards

May 30, 1932 – March 29, 2025

Harold Lloyd Sowards, 92, of Huntington, WV, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Paramount Senior Living in Ona, WV. Born on May 30, 1932, in Hamlin, WV, he was the son of the late Loyd and Luda Miller Sowards.

Harold proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. After returning home, he worked as a bookkeeper for an accounting firm, a role that helped keep the bills paid—but his true passion was never in the numbers. Harold was a people person through and through. He lived for conversation, connection, and community.

A devoted member of Westmoreland United Methodist Church, Harold spent much of his retirement actively engaged in church life. He loved gathering with others and sharing stories, laughter, and fellowship. He also served as a dedicated Boy Scout leader for Troop #44, helping to shape the lives of many young men in the community.

Harold found joy in keeping close ties with his large extended family—his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, cousins, and especially his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved attending reunions, celebrations, and any chance to be surrounded by those he loved.

In 2001, Harold was preceded in death by the love of his life, Dottie Miller Sowards. He was also predeceased by all but one of his ten siblings.

Harold is survived by his loving children:

Harold Lloyd (Lisa) Sowards of Columbus, OH

Laura (Keith) Schafer of Prichard, WV

Lyn Sowards (Mike Nixon) of Huntington, WV

He is also survived by eleven beloved grandchildren:

Caiti Distelzweig (Dan Threloff), Amy Distelzweig, William (Kati) Davenport, Michael (Dina) Davenport, Sarah (Ian) Walsh, Ryan (Sarah) Eastham, Patrick (Jessica) Eastham, Griffin Eastham, Andy (Pearl) Schafer, Adam Schafer, and Erin Schafer.

His legacy continues through sixteen great-grandchildren:

Jacob, Mackenzie, Wyatt, David, Micha, Daniel, Ella, Noah, Evelyn, Eli, Aidan, Madison, Ethan, Flora, Nayeli, and Maverick.

He was also blessed to welcome a great-great-grandchild, Eden Davenport, into the family.

Harold is survived by his brother Ronald (Sue) Sowards of Newark, OH, along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Harold’s warmth, humor, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of faith, family, and friendship lives on in the many lives he touched.

Harold will be cremated and laid to rest beside his wife, Dottie, at Spring Valley Memory Gardens, where a graveside service will be held at a later date.