Wayne Eisenhower Souder
January 25, 1943 — July 13, 2015
LAUREL -- Wayne Eisenhower Souder, 72, of Laurel, Md., died Monday, July 13, 2015.
Memorial visitations will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, July 20, at Donaldson Funeral Home in Laurel. A formal service will be held that evening at 8:30 p.m.
Wayne was born on Main Street in Laurel on Jan. 25, 1943, and lived there much of his life. He graduated from Laurel High School and continued his education at the University of Maryland - University College.
Wayne was married to the former Darleen Ann Pusateri on April 10, 1976. They were married 39 years.
Wayne began his life of loyal, steadfast, and dedicated service to others from an early age as a decorated Boy and Eagle Scout. He served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and later protected his hometown as a member of the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department. His career would be marked by 20 years with the Howard County Police Department, before his retirement in 1993. Wayne continued his service as a coach for his sons’ youth baseball teams with the Laurel Boys and Girls Club and the American Legion; as a longtime Adjutant and lifetime member of American Legion Post 60; and active membership in the Howard County Retired Police Officers’ Association and the Free State Aeromodelers. Lastly, and most importantly to him, was his service as a devoted husband, inspirational father and selfless family man. Wayne and his welcoming smile could be found at Wednesday morning breakfast with his buddies, at the FSA flying field or running errands for “the boss,” which he welcomed and looked forward to each day.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Darleen; sons, Michael Erik, Thomas Edward “Eddie,” and Wayne Andrew “Andy”; daughter, Loa Estelle “Cindy”; numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; brother, Gordon; as well as other family and friends, especially the Richards’ family, Jerry and Paulette, their children Troy, Brian, and Kara and Wayne’s numerous “other grandchildren.”
Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Lula Souder of Laurel, and siblings Peggy, Maxine, Betty and Gloria.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Howard County Police Retired Officers’ Association, P.O. Box 2302, Ellicott City, MD 21041; or The Free State Aeromodelers, P.O. Box 10728, Silver Spring, MD 20914.
The family of Wayne Eisenhower Souder wishes to thank everyone for their enduring support and comforting words, not only during this difficult time, but throughout the last month.