We immediately hear the voice with this phrase. It was synonymous with nearly every crappie weigh in over the past several years. Listed below is his obituary and a link to a memory tree that his family created.
Brian Keith Sowers of Waverly, Missouri, completed his life journey at his lake home at 9:40 p.m., Tuesday, October 31, 2023.
Brian enjoyed fishing and was an advocate for agriculture and ethanol production, but he was most passionate about spending time with his family and friends. He graduated from Santa Fe High School with the class of 1981. He was active in football, basketball and was first chair saxophone in the school band. His friends will say “he was one of the smartest kids in school” and he was a member of the National Honor Society. Brian studied business at University of Missouri – Columbia.
Brian was introduced to the love of his life, Portia, through mutual friends. They began dating in 1986 and felt instantly connected; within eight months, they were head over heels in love, and became engaged. A few months later, in August 1987, they were united in marriage in Waverly, Missouri surrounded by family and friends. They spent their honeymoon at the Missouri State Fair and for the next thirty-six years, they made many lasting memories and an everlasting legacy.
Brian and Portia shared a son, Phillip Sowers, who carries on Brian’s love of fishing. Phillip and his wife, Lacey, have two children, Blake and Emerly. Brian loved spending time with his grandkids and they loved their time with Papa. His grandbabies were the sunshine he required, and he loved them so dearly.
Brian had an amazing radio voice, which endeared him to the KMMO listening community for over 20 years. Along with hosting the morning show and bringing emergency weather information to the community, he also shared fishing and hunting information on his Sunday night program “In The Outdoors”. He was recognized as Ag Broadcaster of the Year. Brian maintained his connection with KMMO while also branching out to add his voice to the Crappie Masters fishing circuit and National Crappie League fishing circuit. He announced crappie fishing results across the United States, growing his relationship with the sport and the many fishing professionals. His phrase “give your kids a tackle box, not an X-box” is well known throughout the fishing community.
He was connected in the community and was a member of Waverly Jaycees as well as serving as President of the organization, the Waverly branch of the Masonic Lodge, Premier Anglers Bass Club and served as Mayor of Waverly. He served as the master of ceremonies’ for the Missouri State Fair and the Waverly Apple Jubilee for many years, as well as many charitable organizations, including the H.O.P.E Project and Ovarian Cancer Coalition. Brian was recognized for his efforts with the Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Corn Growers Association, Future Farmers of America and the 4-H programs.
Brian was a genuine guy who loved life and never met a stranger. He effortlessly made everyone he met feel special and the center of attention. Anyone who met Brian would soon know he was a diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan. His three favorite things in life were the Kansas City Chiefs, fishing and anything chocolate. Brian especially loved the water, taking every opportunity to drop a line in the water.
Brian is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Portia Sowers, of the home; son, Phillip Sowers of Lexington; brothers, Bradley Sowers of Carrollton and Corey Sowers of Raymore; a sister, Kelly Buck (Larry) of Waverly; two grandchildren, Blake Sowers and Emerly Sowers; mother-in law, Mary Spidle of Polo; and sister-in-law Tisha Hinchui (Mike) of Polo; as well as his nieces and nephews; Danielle Beumer (Matt), Tristan Wilkinson (Tyler), Peyton Sowers, Bailey Balcer (James), Colton Sowers, Cade Sowers, and Ryan Fields. His great nieces and nephews; Addison Beumer, Chloe Beumer, Harper Beumer, Hudson Beumer, Rylee Wilkinson, Madison Balcer, Brooklyn Balcer, Kylie Fields, Cooper Fields and Lily Fields will all miss their uncle Brian.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Keith Sowers; mother, Joanna (Maddox) Sowers, father-in-law, Daniel Spidle; and uncle, Richard (Dick) Sowers.
There will be a celebration of the incredible life of Brian Sowers for family and friends to join and share in their memories on Friday, November 10, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation with the family to follow until 5:00 p.m. at Eagle Bluff Ranch, Waverly, Missouri.
If you are considering a memorial contribution in memory of Brian, the family will be establishing a scholarship program in Brian’s memory. Please make your donations to “family choice” in lieu of flowers so that Brian’s legacy can live on.