ElDean Souder

ElDean “Dean” Souder was born February 24, 1933 in Fostoria, Ohio, “at 6 a.m. just as the church bells began to ring” as he was told by his mother (Sarah Cevilla Souder nee Herbert). Dean was baptized at age 16 in the Church of the Brethren in Fostoria, Ohio. The white clapboard church still stands on Elm Street. In later years, Dean's faith grew and he reflected with a deep conviction on the belief that we must be born again. His favorite Bible verses were the crux of Salvation, John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” Dean loved music and in school, he played the drums and the coronet until he started work for his father (William Henry Souder) who paid his way to Ohio Northern University where he took civil engineering. William died at the end of third year and Dean was unable to complete his degree. Later in life, Dean received bachelor's math and science teaching degrees from Wayne State University, he taught high school, and worked as a technical writer for General Dynamics. Dean was a conscientious objector of serving in combat and was drafted to an alternative civilian service. He was sent to teach algebra and science at Spring Vale Academy, which would forever change his life. There he met his beloved and dearly cherished wife of 63 years, Carol Souder nee Boor who preceded him in death. Together they had 5 children: Cheryl Perez, Bryan Dean Souder (preceded in death), William Souder (preceded in death), Tamela Thomas, and Lisa Scarborough. Dean was the beloved grandfather of Melissa (Steve), Samuel (Mary), Rachel, James, Dana, Kandace (Skylar), Sabriena, Valerie (Eddie), Joshua, and Christina, and the proud great-grandfather of 21. It was very important to him that his grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew the Savior. His family was always in his prayers. On reflecting on the suffering in the world, Dean said, “Don't be mad at God - God is love! The devil is in control now, but that all changes at Jesus's return.” In recent years, Dean was hard of hearing, so he didn't realize we could all hear him quietly praying without ceasing under his breath! His favorite songs were, The Old Rugged Cross, Blessed Assurance, and In the Garden. After his hearing did not allow him to enjoy music anymore, he still gained strength and hope from reciting the lyrics to songs that spoke of the love of God, and our hope of Salvation through God's Son. His favorite memory was getting Carol's mom and dad's approval to marry her and their wedding day. Even in his 90's Dean's vocabulary was impressive, he was an avid reader, reading at least 25 books just on Abraham Lincoln. Dean admired Lincoln's integrity and often shared stories or quotes that impressed him about Lincoln. Dean also had many jokes that he often enjoyed telling. His humor, faith, and sharp mind remained with him throughout life, remarkably even teaching his granddaughter advanced college algebra at age 90. In Dean's younger years, he enjoyed gardening, poetry, woodworking, camping, and working outdoors. He loved nature, and animals, and cherished every opportunity to rock a baby to sleep. He enjoyed fixing things and took pride in keeping them working, often long after their expected lifespan. His resourcefulness and ingenuity showed his practical wisdom, reflecting his belief that things were worth preserving rather than easily discarded. Dean faced a difficult beginning, including many years in a children’s home. Those experiences shaped him. After the death of his beloved wife, he began to share his faith more openly, even handing out Christian literature to people he would meet. His faith then became a source of peace and transformation. He gave the advice to “never to go out of your way to tell someone what they had done wrong, but always go out of your way to tell them what they did right.” One of Dean's favorite quotes was: There's so much bad in the best of us, and so much good in the worst of us, that it hardly behooves any of us, to talk about the rest of us. ElDean was surrounded by loved ones at home at the time of his passing. He went to be with his Savior on July 4, 2026, his own ultimate Independence Day, where he is now forever free from the struggles of this world, rejoicing in triumphant victory because of Christ. The funeral for ElDean will be held Friday, July 17, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. for immediate family viewing and 10:30 a.m. for public viewing until the time of the funeral program at 11:30 a.m. at Central Oaks Community Church, 2005 Rochester Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073. The burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial are appreciated to Church of the Nazerene, 696 E. Mahan Avenue, Hazel Park, Michigan 48030. Please share a story or leave a tribute at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com

ElDean Souder

February 24, 1933 - July 4, 2026