Michael Leonard Sowards

A great man died March 7th, 2024 at Christopher House in Austin, Texas. Michael Leonard Sowards brought kindness, laughter, and extended generosity to all who crossed his path during his journey on Earth.

Mike’s life started in Maryville, Mo. December 12,1952, where he joined his parents, Kelley and Ardis Sowards, as well as big brother Steve. Mike grew up in Wichita, Kansas surrounded by good friends who have stayed loyal through decades of changes and relocations. His intellect and curiosity were nurtured by his parents as well as others associated with Wichita State University. After attending WSU for a year, Mike

enrolled in Construction Science at Kansas State University. While attending K-State, he made more lifetime friendships, now known as “The Geezers”. There, as well, Mike met his future partner in life, Cindy. They lived in Kansas City for 13 years, developing a career and starting a family. An opportunity to move to Texas in 1991 presented itself in the form of overseeing the building of a prison for the state of Texas. After its completion Mike would move his family to Austin. Once there, Mike was mentored and encouraged by a good friend from Houston with whom he started the company, Austin Pacesetter Construction, which he managed until his retirement.

Those left to imagine and carve out a life without Mike are, Cindy, his wife, his son’s Sam (Elizabeth, Meredith and Beckett), Peter, his brother Steve (Jane), and Karah Ray, a close friend of our daughter Meredith, who predeceased Mike. And I’m sure when beckoned Meredith was present to meet her dear daddy again.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.