Obituaries

Thomas J. Souders, 76

Thomas J. Souders, 76, of Lancaster, passed away Saturday, October 17, 2009 at Hospice of Lancaster Essa Flory Center. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Chester F. and Frieda E. (Stoe) Souders. Thomas was the husband of A. Louise (Painter) Souders with whom he celebrated 56 years of marriage this past June 27th.

Thomas was a 1951 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School, where he lettered in football and basketball.  Following his graduation, Thomas proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Thomas was employed by Keystone Moving and Storage for 25 years before joining his brother in the HVAC business in Dallas, TX for 9 years.  In 1989 he became the owner/ operator of REPSTACK Assoc, a commercial refrigeration/HVAC contractor, until his retirement in 1996.

Thomas was a life-long member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.  A former member and secretary of St. Joseph Catholic Club, Thomas served on their Board of Directors for 22 years.

Thomas coached girls basketball at St. Joseph Catholic Club for 15 years.  He was a member of the Amputee Support Team of Lancaster, and the Benedictine Order of Oblates.  He enjoyed watching all the Philadelphia sports teams, especially the Phillies and the Eagles.  Thomas loved watching his grandchildren play sports, and his weekly family gatherings.  One of his fondest memories was of the trip to Punta Cana, with his extended family, to celebrate 50 years of marriage.

Surviving in addition to his wife Louise are his children, Thomas G. Souders, husband of Michele A., of Lancaster, Kathy A., wife of Michael E. Eby, of Lancaster, Cynthia L., wife of David J. Villalpando, of Santa Maria, CA, M. Annette, wife of David M. Martin, of Lancaster, Stephen M. Souders, husband of Karen A., of Lancaster, M. Elizabeth, wife of Alex M. Formento, of Yardley, Richard J. Souders, husband of Theresa, of Lancaster, J. Paula Souders of Chanhassen, MN, 17 grandchildren, and siblings, Esther F. Souders, Jane Mussell, Gerald, and Robert Souders. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Mary Benedict, M. Hilda Baumler, Florence Haller, Rosemarie Zimmerman, and John, Anthony, and Frieda Souders.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, October 23, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church 440 St. Joseph St. Lancaster 17603 at 11 AM with Msgr. Thomas Smith as Celebrant. Family and friends will be received Thursday, October 22, 2009 at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home 414 E. King St. Lancaster 17602 from 6 until 8 PM.  The Holy Rosary will be recited at 8 PM.  A second viewing will be held Friday morning at the funeral home from 9 until 10 AM. Interment will follow at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery Bausman, Pa. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, or Hospice of Lancaster County, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604. To send an online condolence or for more information please visit snyderfuneralhome.com

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page


Be sure to include your name

Please note that your condolence will not appear on this page until it is reviewed. Condolences usually appear within 24 hours of being submitted.

From our family to yours:

Our hearts are so sad to hear of your dad’s passing.  The wonderful values of life, people & family that he instilled in his children will live on & on & on.
 
Paula:  I love you like a sister & want you to know that I am here for you.  Your dad loved you – this I know as you loved him.  Let his smile continue to warm your heart; let his voice continue to guide you; let his example of family keep you content.  Hold steadfast to the knowledge that you are loved by the Princess Pack – Absolutely & Totally. Surround yourself with the closeness of your family, comfort one another & know that "WE" are only a phone call and/or a plane ride away!!!
Hugs & Kisses To All!!!

Tami, Donnie, Amanda & Brendan Clary

Annette,
I have such wonderful memories of our days as "St. Joe Hillians" with your Dad as our coach.  I will never forget what your Dad taught me during our basketball practices at St. Joe Hall and games in the "old" gym at LCHS i.e. teamwork, discipline and the skills for a sport that I love to play to this day.  He has touched and influenced so many lives. May you and your family receive peace and comfort by the memories that you have of him and knowing how many others have wonderful memories of him as well. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Betsy Wendel

Jeanne,Lyn,Bob,and your families,
It was so wonderful to see all of you at the CV Hall of Fame evening last month. Jim and I regret that Bob was unable to make it that evening; we would have really enjoyed spending time with him. Your family has given us such happy memories and Bob was a big part of those memories. Jeanne, I was glad that I was able to keep in contact with you and Bob through your haircut appointments. I always enjoyed our conversations and looked forward to the next time I would see you both. To Lyn and Bobbie, I know how hard it is to lose a father who you love so much. Focus on the good times with your dad. When you look at your children, see your father’s wonderful attributes in them and how much he taught you and your children about life; the wonderful memories will see you through this tough time. Bob was one of a kind; always thoughtful, upbeat, and a pleasure to have known. We will miss him. God bless all of you.
Jim and Tracy Cantafio

Dear Louise and family,
The wonderful memories you have of Tom’s life will help you thru this terrible period. I have fond memories of our child hood and the good times we had at St. Joseph and Lancaster Catholic and playing at Rodney park.  Take care and call if I can be of any help.     
Charlie "Chis" Schlegelmilch

I’ve got so many great memories of the Camp Counselor from Fairview Avenue and the house in Manheim Township. He welcomed me into his home and treated me like a member of the family, which meant I was well-fed and fair game when I stepped out of line.

I’m sorry I can’t be there in person to pay my respects. I’m sure the Huckles will be well represented without me. Please know that I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

– Hack –

Dear Paula, Rick, Tom and family
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Just wanted you to know you’re in our thoughts and although there really are no words, may your memories bring you comfort and peace. My mom was also saddened by this news as "Tommy" was her "first boyfriend" from her days on Manor Street, she has fond memories of hanging out with a crew of kids including your Dad.
Take care,
Krista and Bill Chalfant
(Leanza)

I got to know Tom at an early age, having gone to St. Joe and Catholic High with his brother Bob. In recent years I looked forward to talking with Tom at the Catholic girls basketball games.  He was always a joy to talk to and I’m sure everyone is going to miss him greatly.
May God bless all of you!
Ron & Fran Roschel

Rick, Terry and Family,
   We were so saddened to hear of the passing of your father. While our words could never lessen the pain of your loss, please take comfort in knowing you have friends who are there to provide a shoulder to lean on. Your dad was a terrific man. If you ever doubt it just look at the family legacy he has left behind. We here for anything you may need. Many Blessings, The Hirst’s

Dear Annette and Dave,

I wanted to let you guys know how sorry we are for you loss, you and your family are in our prayers, I know how hard it is to loss a parent. If there is anything you need please give us a call see you Thursday.. Love you guys.

Shawn, Monica Brooke and Emileigh

Today I found out about the "passing" of Coach Souders.  The memories came flooding back!!  St. Joe’s School…group of girls….laughing, cheering while playing basketball.(Oh and the underhand free throws for us who weren’t strong enough)

It is not often that someone comes into your life and has such a huge impact that you are not even aware of until many years later.  Your husband/dad had such an impact on me.  Today I coach girls varsity basketball in Northern California and there isn’t a practice that doesn’t go by that his name is not mentioned and his many "quotes" not shared.

To you, Mr. Souders, who have left many of us stronger people with a desire to make the world just that much better, will be remembered in my heart and prayers.

Sue Weber

Send Flowers Online

Offering Lancaster, PA funeral services for over 75 years.

Our six funeral homes in Lancaster County makes it easy and convenient to make arrangements and host services close to home.

  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Downtown Lancaster
  • 414 East King St.
  • 717-393-9661
  • Charles F. (Chip) Snyder, Jr. Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Lititz Pike
  • 3110 Lititz Pike
  • 717-560-5100
  • Charles F. (Chad) Snyder, III Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Millersville
  • 441 North George St.
  • 717-872-5041
  • Mark D. Burkholder Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home Lititz, PA
  • 127 South Broad St.
  • 717-626-2317
  • Jacqueline Adamson Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Bachman-Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory Strasburg, PA
  • 7 South Decatur Street
  • 717-687-7644
  • Norman T. Mable Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Willow Street, PA
  • 2421 Willow Street Pike
  • 717-464-4600
  • Kelly Gramola Townsend Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info