The Souder family has been in charge of Heritage Pointe, in Warren, since 1937. This year the home is celebrating 100 years of offering services to the community. Photo provided.
On April 7, 1910, Jacob C. Click, of Huntington, became the first resident of the United Methodist Memorial Home, of Warren.
Nearly three decades later, Dr. D.C. Souder took over the home's management, along with his wife Julia.
Now 73 years later, the Souder family legacy lives on through David P. Souder, current administrator and CEO of what is now called Heitage Pointe.
"My grandfather came in 1937 ... He just loved this place," David Souder says. "He worked as hard as anybody on Earth has ever worked for a place, and I know I'm prejudiced, but he really, really worked hard."
He says his grandmother worked hard too, getting up hours before dawn with her husband to begin working.
"They'd do anything and everything for this place," he says.
D.C. Souder's son - David's father - Philip Souder joined the management team in 1964, leaving a superintendent of schools position to move his family back to the Warren area.
David Souder, a 1976 Indiana University graduate with a degree in business administration, recalls having a good idea he'd join the family business.
" ... It was something I kind of felt like I wanted to do. I was never, ever pushed into doing it by my parents; it's one of those things either you want to do it or you don't want to do it, and my kids aren't interested in doing it - they have other hobbies, likes and dislikes - and I'm perfectly happy that they are doing what they want to do, and I'm doing what I want to do," he explains.
He says he was exposed to Heritage Pointe as a child, by helping new residents move in and mowing the lawn.
D.C. Souder died Dec. 24, 1981 and in April of 1993, David Souder was named administrator and CEO. Nearly 15 years to the day his father died, Philip Souder died Dec. 23, 1996 after 32 years of service.
David Souder is entering his 35th year, joining the two Souder men before him right out of college.
" ... I enjoy (working) here," he says, "I don't know that I'd want to do this at any other place, but Warren is something special. I really like it."
Jill Huston, Heritage Pointe of Warren's admissions and marketing coordinator, has worked at the home for 22 years and says she often tells groups, " ‘If it wasn't for the Souders' foresight and hard work, this facility wouldn't be what it is today.' "
David Souder's day-to-day responsibilities include overseeing the three United Methodist Memorial Home campuses, including Heritage of Huntington and the new Heritage of Fort Wayne. A line of communication is always kept open, as anyone can dial his direct extension and speak with him.
He hopes to get at least 15 more years out of his career.
"I would have no problem working until 70, if my health and all will allow me to. I really look forward to coming to work everyday ... "
And because there appears to be no more Souders in the future that want to take their father's reigns, "The party will be over, probably," he says, smiling.
Complete caption: The Souder family has been in charge of Heritage Pointe, in Warren, since 1937. This year the home is celebrating 100 years of offering services to the community. In this picture, taken around 1980, then-assistant administrator (now current administrator and CEO) David Souder (sitting) talks issues over with his grandfather (left) Dr. D.C. Souder and his father Philip Souder.
