Earl Alton Souder

Earl Alton Souder, of Romance, Missouri, passed away on September 17, 2026, at the age of 78.

Earl was born March 23, 1948, to Almond and Elzada Souder. He was raised in and around Souder, Missouri, alongside his four brothers and a whole slew of cousins. He carried the values of that humble upbringing with him throughout his life: work hard, take care of your family, and don’t make too much fuss about yourself.

On April 20, 1972, Earl married Sylvia Maxine Sneed. Together, they made their home in Romance, Missouri, where they raised their three children; Wayne, Matthew, and Trisha.

Earl was an exceptionally hard worker and spent much of his career as a heavy equipment operator on road construction projects. He was also a proud union member. His work quite literally left its mark across the region. When his children were young, he enjoyed driving them around and pointing out the roads he had helped build—a quiet source of pride in a lifetime spent doing honest, demanding work.

Generally, on the quieter side, Earl could still let loose when the occasion called for it. In his younger days, he enjoyed playing traditional bluegrass music with family and friends. He could play most anything with strings but was especially known for his banjo skills at music parties and gatherings.

He loved deer season, a good old-fashioned fish fry, working on cars, and dogs—especially dogs with unusual names. He was particularly proud of his 1937 Chevy pickup, a reflection of both his mechanical ability and his appreciation for things built to last. Earl enjoyed good company, a good meal, and some good music, but he always seemed to know when he’d had just enough—and it was time to head on out.

Earl was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia; his parents, Almond and Elzada Souder; his brothers, Gerald and Todd; sister-in-laws, Lynn and Connie.

He is survived by his children Wayne, Matt and Misty, and Trish; grandchildren Alton and Summer, Garrett and Brianna, Owen, Hillary, and Dalton; great-grandchildren Kase, Kash, and Hayden; brother, Dennis and his wife Deniece, and a large extended family of relatives and friends.

For those who knew him, Earl’s memory can be found in a banjo tune, an old truck, or simply that familiar moment when you’ve stayed long enough to enjoy the company and know it’s time to head on.

Graveside Memorial Service for Earl will be Monday, September 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Souder Cemetery with burial to follow. Memorials may be made to Souder Cemetery. Cremation services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home Ava, Missouri.