Harold Laverne Souder, 91, a life-long Rush County resident, passed away Jan. 1, 2026, at Rush Memorial Hospital, Rushville, Indiana. Souder lived a long and fulfilling life rooted in family, service, and the land he loved.

He was born on April 17, 1934, in Rush County, Ind., to Howard and Stella (Irvine), both deceased. He married Carol D Sherwood on Feb. 8, 1957, at the First Christian Church in Victorville, Calif., and she passed on Aug. 27, 2002. They enjoyed 45 years of a happy marriage with their five children, Teresa, Cathy, Cindy, Shari, and Steve.

Souder was a Carthage High School graduate in the Class of 1952. He was drafted and served two years active duty, and eight years inactive duty in the United States Army. On active duty, he was stationed at Fort Irwin Army Base, in the High Mojave Desert, Calif. His military service reflected the same sense of duty and honor that he carried throughout his life.

Souder lived most of his life in Rush County as a lifelong farmer; he dedicated his days to working the soil of Indiana with steadfast commitment and pride. His deep connection to the land was more than an occupation. It was a way of life that shaped his values and grounded his family. Through decades of changing seasons and tireless labor, he cultivated not only crops but also a legacy of perseverance and integrity. Harold and Carol farmed throughout their married life side by side, working together to build up the family farm that is now in its fifth generation.

Souder was immensely proud of the family’s sweet corn business – Souder Farms Sweet Corn, started by his son, Steve, in 1985 with guidance from Carol and Harold. Souder enjoyed visiting all the customers that came to the farm and making deliveries of the frozen sweet corn or promoting the business to anyone that he met. He loved celebrating the 40th anniversary in 2025.

He was a great storyteller and always had a story to tell. He might stretch the tale as he told it, but that is what we loved about the moment. His deep commitment to friendships and family throughout his life created those stories – his memory was incredible. Souder was an Indiana University, and a Cincinnati Reds baseball fan. He loved the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers, mainly a fan of all sports. He really enjoyed the Rose Bowl Parade and the Rose Bowl game and was really looking forward to this year’s game.

Harold and Carol enjoyed traveling throughout many states in their lifetime. He and Carol instilled traveling in each of his children, taking them on many adventures.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Carol Dean (Sherwood) and daughter Teresa Bonne (husband Michael) and by his parents Howard and Stella Souder, his sisters, Majorie Miller and Betty McCorkle. Their memories remained close to his heart throughout his later years.

He is lovingly remembered by his children: Cathy Pratt (husband Greg), Cindy Newkirk (husband James), Shari Davis (husband Bruce), and Steve Souder (wife Holly). He was a proud grandfather to Zach Beckner (wife Rachel), Jacob Bonne, (partner Adam) Jeremy Pratt (wife Shandi), Jennifer Matney (wife Morgan), Mackenzie Pratt, Emily Piper, Shannon Morrow (husband Ryan), Bradley Davis (fiance Kirstin Hersley), Cara Dean Souder and Cayla Jo Souder. His joy extended to the next generation as well, he cherished his great-grandchildren Elley Piper, Addilyn Beckner, Elaina Piper, Whittaker Beckner, Aiden Morrow, and Cillian Pratt.

A funeral service honoring his life was Jan. 8 in Moster Mortuary; Pastor John wall presided. Burial was in Glen Cove Cemetery, Knightstown, Ind.

Memorials to Rush Memorial Hospital or American Heart Association in his name.