Carey R. SowderBurlington, KS

Carey R. Sowder, 76, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026. He was born on September 22, 1949, and lived a life filled with music, laughter, creativity, and an unwavering love for his family and friends.

Carey was preceded in death by his father, Charles Sowder, his mother, Betty Stockebrand, and step father Deed Stockebrand.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Sarah Dingman, and her husband, Mark; his cherished grandchildren, Wyatt and Everly; and his four sisters, Jana Sowder Slagle, Rhonda Trahan, Susan Mulsow, and Annette VanAnne (and husband, FJ). He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who were touched by his kindness, humor, and generous spirit.

Anyone who knew Carey knew there was never a shortage of laughter. He had a vivid personality with an infectious joy that was larger than life. Whether he was telling jokes, sharing a funny story, or simply being his wonderfully eccentric self, he had a gift for making people smile.

Music was the soundtrack of Carey's life. When he watched The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, something clicked inside him. From that moment on, he knew music would be his lifelong passion. Over the years, he played and sang in several bands, including Elk River Biscuit and Gravy Band and Rosebud (which he created with longtime love and mother of his child, Shiuvaun Mason). He worked in and owned several recording studios, where he spent many of his years writing, producing, recording, and sharing music with others. He loved discovering new artists, creating new songs, and talking endlessly about music with anyone who shared his enthusiasm. His passion inspired many and remained a defining part of who he was throughout his life.

Family meant everything to Carey. He treasured family gatherings with his sisters and looked forward to every opportunity to spend time surrounded by nieces, nephews, and the growing generations that followed. Some of his happiest moments were spent visiting with his daughter Sarah, her husband Mark, and his grandchildren Wyatt and Everly. He loved hearing about the kids' latest adventures and all the milestones that filled him with pride. Even when miles separated them, long phone conversations with Sarah, catching up on life, were among his greatest joys.

Carey's legacy lives on through the music he created, the positivity he shared, and the countless lives he touched with his joyful spirit. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and remembered every time a favorite song plays, a corny joke is told, or a room is filled with laughter.

Happy trails to you, until we meet again.

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