Dana Sowders lived a life filled with service, laughter, creativity, and love for his family and community. Whether he was helping save lives, building something beautiful in his workshop, volunteering at church, or capturing candid moments with a camera in hand, Dana made an impact everywhere he went. Above all, he was a man of God who cherished his relationship with his earthly family, as well as his heavenly father. No verse from the Bible represents him more fully than as follows:

"The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him."

— Proverbs 20:7

Dana is lovingly survived by his wife and adventure partner, Colleen Sowders, his daughters, Holly Sowders-Benjemia of West Lafayette, IN and Ariana Veach of Owenton, KY as well as his son-in-law Eric Veach of Owenton, KY. He was a proud grandfather to Seif Benjemia and his soon-to-be wife, Cheyenne Cooksey, of Jefferson, GA, and Sophia Benjemia of West Lafayette, IN. He also leaves behind his beloved fur grandbaby, Maui, who always held a special place in his heart.

He is also survived by his siblings: Duane and Beth Sowders of Lafayette, IN; Debbie Kennedy of Lafayette, IN; Charlotte "Chuck" Sowders of Brookston, IN; Reba Koerner of South Bend, IN; Bill and Di Koerner of Long Beach, MS; David and Jack Koerner of Louisville, KY; Kent Koerner of Crawfordsville, IN; and accompanied by 17 nieces and nephews and many great and great-great nieces and nephews who will all carry pieces of Dana's humor and kindness with them. He is also survived by Becky Larsh of Normandy, TN; Latonna Reilly of Washington, MI and Patrick Pushor of West Lafayette, IN with  many more family and friends in  Georgia.

Dana was preceded in death by his parents, Doyle and Mary Sowders; his brother, Dave Sowders; his sister, Dawn Mincey; brother-in-law Bill Kennedy; brother-in-law Ernie Mincey; his in-laws Yolanda Bee Koerner and Gerald "Jerry" Koerner; brother-in-law Jim Koerner; and his previous wife and dear friend Joann Pushor.

Dana dedicated much of his life to caring for others. He was proud to be part of the original four-man crew that helped bring the paramedic program to Montgomery County, Indiana. After many years of service, he retired as a paramedic with the Crawfordsville Fire Department, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, composure, and a willingness to help anyone in need. Outside of work, Dana's hands were rarely still. Woodworking was one of his greatest passions, and if you were lucky enough to receive one of his handmade creations, you knew it was built with patience and love. He was also a devoted member of Friendship Baptist Church, where he generously volunteered his time helping with the sound, broadcasting and security system.

When he wasn't building or volunteering, Dana and his wife Colleen could often be found planning their next adventure together. They loved exploring new places and making memories along the way. He was a notorious foodie who would try anything once, but he had a soft spot for family traditions and cream-filled donuts which he often shared alongside his daughter Holly. Dana also had an eye behind the camera and rarely missed a chance to document family moments. As Dana would remind us, these pictures would become the memories we treasured most. He especially loved sharing his passion for photography with his daughter Ariana.

More than anything, Dana loved his family. He enjoyed cheering on his grandchildren at sporting events, sharing stories, sending "love you" text messages every morning and night, being everyone's weather man, and simply being present for the people he loved.

Dana will be remembered for his servant's heart, quick wit, steady presence, and ability to make people feel cared for. His legacy lives on in every life he touched, every memory captured, and every story shared with a smile and a laugh.

I know he would have loved to share his favorite verse with everyone reading this; John 3:16.

There will be a celebration of life for Dana on 6/5/2026 from 11-1 at Friendship Baptist Church in Crawfordsville, IN. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friendship Baptist Church. "Envelopes will  be provided."