of Conway, AR
October 16, 1947 - January 7, 2024
On Sunday morning, January 7, 2024, Dwight Sowell, Jr. departed this earthly existence to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior, with his final words being expressions of love for his family and praise for God.
Dwight was born in Arkansas on October 16, 1947. He was a proud graduate of West High School in Wichita, Kansas, where he was the Student Body President. He attended Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, graduating with a bachelor's degree in religion in 1971. While at Carleton, he had the opportunity to travel to Japan where he developed a love of Japanese gardens that he would later share with his daughter when they attended the 1998 Olympic Winter Games together in Japan. His study of religion continued at the Chicago Theological Seminary, and he later graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a master's degree in psychology.
Dwight was proud of his forty-plus years as an Arkansas State employee and served a term as President of the Faulkner County Chapter of the Arkansas State Employees Association. Appointed by former Governor Mike Huckabee to the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Psychology, he served two terms, including a period as Chairman of the Board.
After decades of work as a psychological examiner at the Conway Human Development Center, he retired in January 2020, relocating to Texas in 2021 to be closer to his daughter, Rene, and her family. While he was constantly amazed at all the things the Dallas-Fort Worth area had to offer and greatly enjoyed attending Sunday morning church services and his grandson's many sporting events, he missed Arkansas and always considered Conway his home.
Dwight was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight Sowell, Sr. and Dorothy Phillips Sowell, both of Faulkner County. He is survived by his daughter, Rene Pinson, son-in-law, Patrick, and grandson, Chase.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024, at noon, followed by a service at 1:00 pm, at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Arkansas. Dwight will be laid to rest at Crestlawn Cemetery.
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15 Condolence(s)
Paulette
Sunday, March 3, 2024
Dwight was a college classmate, where we both majored in religion and participated in a life-changing cultural exchange program in Japan the summer before we graduated. Although we followed different paths after further study at Chicago Theological Seminary , it was always interesting to know where life took him. Sensitive and intellectually curious, he so loved his daughter, valued his career of service to others, and lived his deep-rooted faith. I am honored to have known him and sorry he left this earth so soon. My deep condolences to Rene and family.
Kathy Gill
Sunday, January 28, 2024
I was so shocked to hear of Dwight's passing. I had just printed his obituary before dashing off to an appointment. Unfortunately I did not notice the time of funeral. I was just devastated to have missed it as there were so many I wanted to see and talk with, along with meeting his daughter and her family. I worked with Dright on ITT and of course when I was Psychology Secretary and found him to be a kind, quiet and brilliant man. He didn't get to enjoy his retirement long enough which I find so sad. So many people work long years thinking they will have more money to retire on, but what good is it if you pass away so quickly. We will all miss you Dwight!
Gene Wilt
Friday, January 19, 2024
I'm saddened to hear about Dwights passing. Good people are a rare commodity now a days and Dwight was definitely one of them. There was no way to thank him for all he did for me and my family.
He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Kristen Lee
Thursday, January 18, 2024
I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Dwight from 1994 until my retirement in 2019. He was great with our clients at CHDC and always gave then his undivided attention. The thing that stands out to me the most about Mr. Dwight was his calmness and his patients he had for everyone... You will be missed by all!!
Candy Combs Reed
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
I worked with Dwight at CHDC. He was always happy and loved sharing stories about his daughter. They made a trip to Disney in another country, maybe Japan (cannot remember) and he brought me back a Disney book that I have treasured for years. My sincere condolences for his family and friends.
Sherry Skillwoman
Monday, January 15, 2024
Dwight & I met while attending Hadley Jr. High in Wichita, which fed both to West & North High Schools. While we followed quite different pathways in our adult lives, we enjoyed our occasional reconnections. Most recently, he attended my North High 2022 reunion with me & I accompanied him to his West High 2023 reunion. There were many West High alumni who were glad to socialize with him at the reunion & will miss him at the 2024 reunion. Condolences to his family & special thanks to Rene for outreach to Dwight's Wichita friends. May all Beings be Free from Suffering.
Kim Allen Leach
Friday, January 12, 2024
I worked with Dwight for 30 + years at the Conway Human Development Center. Although we were on different teams most of the time, his office was just down the hall from my training area (classroom). We would speak and maybe have conversations about many things. He had a concern for all our individuals at CHDC. Prayers for his family.
Janice Brown
Friday, January 12, 2024
My sincere condolences to Rene, Patrick, and Chase. Dwight loved his family and talked about you all often.
I worked with Dwight at CHDC for several years. He went above and beyond for the residents we served. He was a kind, calm, giving, intelligent, and compassionate man.
I was blessed to be his Realtor when he purchased his home on Gladstone. The day we went to tour the home he fell in love with it. We also found out it was an accepted offer on the property. I will never forget what he said. He told me I don't care what you have to do, I want this house. He got his house.
I never will forget when Dwight bought the Red Porsche. He took me to lunch one day but he drove a little fast for my liking, but he thought it was hilarious!
No matter what was going on in my life, I could always count on Dwight for a text, call, or a card in the mail. When my Mother passed in March 2016, 29 days after my brother, he was very supportive and encouraging.
When he moved to Dallas he texted me to let me know and he kept me informed concerning his health. When he found out that I was diagnosed with a rare disease, he would text me often to check on me.
Dwight was a true friend and Ihe will definitely be missed by his family and friends. Rest in love and peace!
Rene Rains
Friday, January 12, 2024
I first met Dwight in 1994 when I started at CHDC. He had this dry British sense of humor that made me laugh. I had the highest admiration for his dedication to the CHDC clients. If a person became frustrated trying to learn a computer program or behavior plan, he had such PATIENCE in helping them to learn. When I went back to college, he was always encouraging and helped give me confidence when I was struggling. His family was lucky to have him in their lives. Deepest sympathy for them.
Holly Haley
Friday, January 12, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of Dwight's passing. We worked together for many years at CHDC. He was a very kind person.He cared for the residents and really wanted the best for them. My condolences to his family.
Cynthia Craig
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Heartfelt prayers to Rene, Patrick, and Chase.
I loved Dwight so very much. He'll always have a special place in my heart. He told me recently not to mourn his passing, but rejoice in him spending eternity in heaven.
Rene, your dad loved you with all his heart. He was extremely proud of you. You were the highlight of his life.
Patrick, he told me he couldn't have picked a better husband for Rene, or dad to Chase. He loved you like a son.
Chase, your granddad loved and cherished you. His face lit up when he spoke of you. The day you were baptized brought him such joy.
I feel blessed for having had him in my life. He will be missed
Terry and Linda Herrin
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Dwight was truly a good and kind person. He was always thinking of others.
Calvin price
Thursday, January 11, 2024
I had the pleasure of working with Dwight for many years at CHDC. He was a great Psy Examiner, a great advocate for those with Development Disabilities and a great friend.
Carolyn Jones
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Dwight was such a fine Christian man. I taught Sunday evening church class with him at Second Baptist for several years and enjoyed visiting with him often after that. Prayers for you and your family, Rene, as I know you will miss him.
Kathy Kordsmeier
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Dwight and I worked together at CHDC for 12 yrs. Unlike me he thrived there for 40 yrs. He was a friend and colleague. My sons and I will never forget how he helped us plan our trip to the Atlanta Summer Olympics. We couldn't have done it without him. Prayers for the family as they grieve his loss.