Francis R. Souder | Physician, 85

Francis R. Souder, 85, a physician who maintained a family practice in Telford for more than 40 years, died of complications from Parkinson's disease and strokes Oct. 17 at the Peter Becker Retirement Community in Harleysville.

Dr. Souder graduated from Souderton High School and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He earned a medical degree from Hahnemann Medical College and interned at Hahnemann Hospital, where he met a nursing student, Marion Parker, his future wife.

During World War II, he served in the Navy Medical Corps. After his discharge he opened a medical office on Main Street in Telford. His was called back to active duty in the Navy during the Korean War and was a medical officer in Panama City, Fla.

In the early days of his practice, Dr. Souder delivered babies and made house calls, his son Ronald said. "Medicine was his life," his son said, "he was compulsive about caring for patients."

His son, a pediatrician in Pennridge, said many parents of the children he treats were patients of his father's and remember him with great admiration.

Dr. Souder was on the staff of Grand View Hospital in Sellersville. He served a term as president of the hospital's medical staff; taught in its nursing school; and after retiring in 1989, served on the Grand View Hospital board.

He enjoyed freshwater fishing and traveling abroad. He was a Mason.

In addition to his wife of 62 years and son, Dr. Souder is survived by a daughter, Susan; two brothers; and five grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at noon Nov. 10 at Trinity United Church of Christ, where Dr. Souder sang in the choir, 101 S. Main St., Telford.

Memorial donations may be made to Grand View Hospital 700 Lawn Ave., Sellersville, Pa. 18960.