Alvin Leo Sowers, Sr., 89, of Hutchinson, died June 24, 2026, at Hospice House. He was born November 2, 1936, in Atchison, Kansas, the son of John J. and Mary M. (Goldt) Sowers and stepson of Blanche I. (Hatcher) Sowers.

Alvin graduated from Hastings High School, Hastings, Nebraska. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served four years as a mechanic and assistant crew chief on a Boeing KC-97 Air Refueler. After the military Alvin attended Lincoln Aviation Institute, Lincoln, Nebraska.

On April 6, 1962, he married Doris Jane Stenzel, in Lincoln, Nebraska. She preceded him in death. Later in life Alvin met and enjoyed the company of Frances Smith, of Hutchinson, and together they enjoyed church events, Spangles, and the Village Inn.

Alvin is survived by his son, Alvin Sowers, Jr. and wife Deborah J. (Morgan) Sowers of Lyons; grandson, Nicholas W. Sowers and wife Andrea (Crider) Sowers; great-grandsons, Eli and Alex; and great-granddaughter, Brooklyn.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Sowers; father, John Sowers Sr.; stepmother, Blanche Sowers; brothers, Kenneth C. Sowers, Hastings, Laurence H. Sowers, Hastings, John J. Sowers, Jr., Blue Hill; sisters, Sandra J. Sowers, Hastings, Sharon Stiegemeier, Harvard, Andrea Fisher, Grand Island, all of Nebraska.

After Lincoln, Nebraska, Alvin became a lifetime Kansas resident in 1963, both in Hutchinson and Lyons. He was a licensed aircraft mechanic and, having worked for the former Skycraft, Inc., Mead Flying Service, was co-owner of the former Sparks Aviation, Inc., Hutchinson. Alvin’s last aviation adventure was retiring in 2000 from Wells Aircraft, Inc., at their chief inspector. He was also a licensed pilot with private, commercial, and multi-engine ratings.

Alvin was a member of New Covenant Presbyterian Church, where he had served as an elder and coordinator of the sound system, member of the choir, as well as member of various committees. Other affiliations include Civil Air Patrol, various bowling leagues, Old Time Pickers and Fiddlers Group. Alvin served for many years as a Hospice volunteer giving caregivers respite care for themselves. He was active in the YMCA and appreciated the Christian message they deliver.

Cremation has taken place.

Graveside service, with military honors conducted by McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard, will be with close family.

Memorial Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at New Covenant Presbyterian Church, 700 E. 25th Ave., Hutchinson.

Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday thru Monday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorial donations may be made to New Covenant Presbyterian Church or Hospice & HomeCare of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.