Michael “Mike” Dale Sowell

Michael “Mike” Dale Sowell, 65, of Groves, died Friday, July 7th, 2017 in his home after a six-year battle with cancer.  As he laid to rest, he was surrounded by the love and prayers of his wife of 41 years, Joann, and their children and grandchildren. 

Mike was born on May 27, 1952, in Orange, to Virginia Murray Sowell and Erney Morris Sowell. He and his two brothers, Danny and Steven, were raised modestly by a father and mother whom instilled in them the value of hard work.  After learning about engines from his dad, Mike grew to become one of the best diesel mechanics in the area.

Mike and Joann made a home and family built on love and laughter. Though they experienced many tragedies together – losing parents, losing siblings – their home was always filled with the kind of laughter that brings tears to your eyes and leaves your side hurting. 

Mike’s children and grandchildren were his great pride. He often said his long work days (usually two jobs at once) were worth the grease and sweat to see his children happy.  Through all the baseball, football and soccer games, dance recitals and weightlifting competitions of his grandkids, Mike was always there and his voice the loudest supporter.  Even in the later days, hurting from chemo treatments, he was still always up for celebrating even the smallest victories with his kids. 

Mike had the strength and gruff of a biker, but the gentle soul of a fisherman. We’ll miss your love and laugh, Daddy.

Mike is survived by his wife, Joann Polite Sowell of Groves; mother, Virginia Murray Sowell of Orange; his children Sheryl Moran and her husband Todd, of Port Neches, Trent Sowell and his wife Amie, of Groves, Wendi Stanley and her husband Chad, of Groves, and Steven Sowell and his wife Meagan, of Orange; and his grandchildren Ryan, Tyler and Cody Moran, Daegan and Cora Sowell, Shelby and Paige Stanley, and Aiden, Ava and Tripp Sowell.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Erney Morris Sowell, and his brothers, Steven Wayne and Danny Morris Sowell.

Cremation arrangements for Mr. Sowell will be under the direction of Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.