Franklin L. Sowers, 94 of Urbana, passed away on March 6, 2026 at 2:45 p.m. at home with his loving and faithful wife by his side. He was born December 20, 1931 at Rose Hill, IL, the son of John O. and Helen V. (Crockett) Sowers. He married Clara Mae Foust on September 24, 1950 in Greenup, IL.
He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Clara Mae; Sisters Linda L. Carter (the late Sam) and Barbara S. Reynolds (Jim); Brother Johnny Dale (the late Terri); granddaughter Tammy L. Sowers; great grandson Justin D. Sowers (Jessica); great, great grandchildren Myah, Justin Jr., Clara and Drake.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother James O. Sowers, Sons Franklin D. Sowers and Robert L. Sowers, and granddaughter, Tracy L. Sowers, and many good friends.
Franklin was a Locksmith Supervisor at the University of Illinois for 36 years. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Urbana.
Frank enjoyed gardening and working in his yard. Special interests in his younger years were making maple syrup, bowling, fishing, camping, traveling all over the United States with his wife Clara in their 5th wheel and wintering in Florida. Memorable trips were to Hawaii, Puerto Rico on a mission trip, and to New York City during the 2003 blackout.
Funeral services will be on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory, 1900 S Philo Rd., Urbana. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Gary Gritton will officiate. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana.
Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 2106 E. Windsor Rd., Urbana, IL 61802
Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com
