Wesley H. Sowers

Sowers, Wesley H., 102, longtime Wichita resident departed this life on February 2, 2008. He was born August 26, 1905 in Whiting, IN. He earned both a bachelors and a masters degree in science from Purdue University, a law degree from DePaul, and completed Harvard Universitys Advanced Management Program. Before moving to Wichita he was associated with Shell Oil, National Lead, Pure Oil, and Bay Chemical with positions in Chicago, Wilmington, DE, and New Orleans, LA. He moved to Wichita in 1950 as vice-president of Frontier Chemical and immediately adopted the city as his “own”. Over the next 40 years he had an enormous impact on both the community and the state of Kansas, until age began to limit his activities. Wes quickly advanced at Frontier, becoming president in 1957. The company later became a division of Vulcan Materials Company and he continued as president of the division and also a member of the Board of Vulcan. In 1965, Vulcan wanted Wes to relocate to its headquarters in Birmingham, AL but he declined, declaring his allegiance to Wichita. At that point he became active as professional management counsel. He was a natural leader and active contributor. He held significant and numerous roles in Wichita business and civic circles in addition to governmental and educational arenas making a positive impact in each. He served on the boards of The Coleman Company, Inc., The Fourth National Bank and Trust Company of Wichita and Great Lakes Chemical Corporation. He served 10 years in the Senate of the State of Kansas. In 1990 he received the “Uncommon Citizen” award from the Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word, living a life worthy of great respect by all who were privileged to know him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Glad, and survived by his daughter, Penny Buxton of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and son, Wesley H. Sowers, Jr. of Richardson, TX; grandchildren Stefanie Dolese and Ashley Willis of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Heather Dugan of Jacksonville, FL, Kevin Sowers and Kendall Sowers of New York City, New York; and 4 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held February 29, 2008 at Downing Lahey, 6555 E. Central; Wichita, KS at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Wesley Medical Research Fund, 3306 E. Central; Wichita, KS 67208 or Heartspring, 8700 E. 29th St. N, Wichita, KS 67226.