Aden Kenneth Sowell's Obituary
Aden Kenneth Sowell, age 85, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2023. He was born in Pensacola, Florida on April 5, 1938, and grew up in Gainesville where he was raised by his adoptive parents Annie Belle Odom and Ezra Franklin DeBusk.
Aden's school years were spent at PK. Yonge Laboratory School. After graduating from high school in 1956, he attended and graduated from Stetson University where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. During these years and into early adulthood Aden was an accomplished water skier and tennis player. Many summer days were spent skiing on Cowpen Lake where Aden perfected the "rooster tail," skiing barefoot, and launching off of a ramp.
He married Nancy Ann May on June 30, 1961, and they raised their two children in Gainesville. After the children finished high school, Aden and Nancy moved to Pensacola where they lived for thirty-six years. During these years Aden was an active member of Five Flags Rotary Club and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow for his service to the organization and to the community. As a member of the First Methodist Church, he served as a Stephen Minister and usher. Aden had a strong faith and enjoyed sharing this with members of the Open Minds, Open Hearts Sunday School class.
His long career in sales began at the age of twelve selling Cokes in "The Swamp" (Florida Field at that time). He joined the General Foods Corporation, followed by the Gillette Company after graduating from college. He had a thirty eight year career selling graduation supplies with the Herff Jones Company and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1992. This provided many years of interacting with young people in the panhandle of Florida. Many of the relationships that were formed during this time lasted throughout his life. Following retirement, Aden continued an active involvement with students mentoring through the public school system.
Old friendships were renewed after returning to Gainesville in 2019. Gatherings were enjoyed with former PKY classmates as well as a regular Friday "lunch bunch" and the Gainesville Quarterback Club.
Aden always looked forward to the college football season, time in the mountains of North Carolina, and watching Formula One auto races as well as the IMSA series. His love of racing included observation as well as participation. He was a fixture at racing schools in the Southeast, driving numerous times on tracks such as Sebring, Road Atlanta, and Roebling Road Raceway. A wonderful sense of humor, a warm and welcoming smile, a spirit that truly looked for the best in everyone and a real zest for life are qualities that will be sorely missed.
He is survived by his wife of sixty two years, Nancy May Sowell; his son James (Jim) Bristol Sowell: his daughter Sharon Sowell Lowery (Peter); grandson Bryce Clayton Ballard, and granddaughter Linda Kate Gilbreath.
The family wish to thank the caring staff at Oak Hammock Skilled Nursing Facility and Community Hospice for their kindness and compassion.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 10:30AM at First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville, 106 SW Third St., 32601 with Rev. Mark Hults officiating. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Aden’s name to First Presbyterian Church or Community Hospice 4011 NW 43rd St, Gainesville FL 32606.
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