Robert Arlington Souders

Robert Arlington Souders, 97, of Downingtown, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, died Monday, March 6, 2023, at Simpson Meadows in Downingtown, PA. He was preceded in death in 2006, by his college sweetheart and wife of 54 years, Ellen (Edvar) Souders. Born April 3, 1925, in Clarksburg, WV, he was the son of the late R. Lawrence and Wilma (Smith) Souders, and brother of the late William L. Souders. Upon graduation from Washington Irving High School in 1943, he served as an Army Air Corps navigator in the Philippines during World War II. Bob returned to graduate from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Class of 1950. He also received master’s degrees from the Yale Divinity School and the University of Pittsburgh. Professionally, after having served as pastor of the Beechview Methodist Church, Bob went on to a 25-year career as a social studies teacher at Langley High School in Pittsburgh. Bob believed in the value and unifying power of service to his community. He and Ellen served as a host family for the Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors, where they established cherished friendships with international students and guests. Upon retirement, Bob volunteered for Meals on Wheels, the Scott Township Public Library, and Common Cause and served for more than 15 years as a visitor to residents at Asbury Heights, where he lived briefly. Bob had been active with the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, the Pittsburgh Association of School Retirees, the Lions Club, the Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church, and later, the Sunnyhill Unitarian Universalist Church. Bob is survived by his loving children: Christine Souders of New York City, Alison Frysinger (Howard), of Glenmoore, PA, Cynthia Souders Breese (Gregory), of Dover, DE, and John Souders (Elizabeth), of Lansdale, PA; grandchildren: Eric Frysinger, David Breese, Adam Breese, and Avery Souders, as well as cherished cousins, nieces and nephews. Family and friends will be received at the Laughlin Cremation & Funeral Tributes 222 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, PA. on Saturday, April 22, from 1-3 pm, with a memorial service to follow from 3-4 pm. The family would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to all of the staff at Simpson Meadows, and especially to his direct caregivers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be made to: Simpson Meadows, Simpson Foundation Benevolent Care Fund, 150 Monument Drive, Suite 202, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, or to: Asbury Foundation Benevolent Care Fund, Asbury Heights, 700 Bower Hill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15243.

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