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 27 ^th .

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