John Caleb Sowers' Obituary
Johnny Sowers was born on October 24, 1930, in Brawley, California and died on August 27, 2025, in Escondido, California.
He was the youngest of six children born to William Arthur and Ada Sowers. He was beloved of his siblings, and in particular, his mother. He graduated from Santa Ana High School and served for four years in the U.S. Army before returning to Orange County, eventually graduating from Santa Ana Junior College and Long Beach State University. Later he achieved a master’s degree in education from the University of Southern California (and remained a life-long Trojans fan).
While at Santa Ana College, he met Donna Stark. They were married in June of 1958 and had four children: John (Jennifer), Julie (Chris), Jill (Jeff), and Jason (Renee). Julie died in 2017. Altogether Johnny and Donna had nine beloved grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Donna preceded Johnny in death, passing away in October of 2023. He missed her every day.
Johnny was a well-known and well-loved teacher, primarily at Orange Glen High School. He was initially the ASB advisor, later the Work Study Coordinator, and for the majority of his teaching career he was an algebra teacher. He was gifted in the art of carefully and clearly explaining math concepts so that his students truly understood what they were being taught. Often, after his retirement, he would be approached by a former student who would tell him, “Mr. Sowers, you were the best teacher I ever had.”
Johnny and Donna were a presence in the classroom (Donna taught as well), in their beloved Valley Center community, and in leading and supporting the ministry of Young Life. He loved to garden at their home and to read. He had strong opinions and was not afraid to share them – whether or not he was asked.
Johnny had a very real relationship with Jesus, and a life-long faith. He was honest to admit that he wrestled with elements of that faith, intellectually and experientially. In that way he was a model for all those who believe yet are not without doubts.
The family is very grateful for the care that he received after Donna’s passing at the Generations Memory Care Unit of Las Villas del Norte – they were unfailingly kind and consistently gracious. Equally, the family is grateful for the wise and compassionate care of the Bristol Hospice nurses.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions should be made to North County Young Life.
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