Robert Cowgill

Robert “Big Bob” Cowgill, 87 formerly of Stevensville, passed away Saturday, October 22, 2011 at Royalton Manor in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 P.M. Wednesday at Stark & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Dan Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery with Military Rites provided by North Berrien Military Rites Team. Friends may call from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ, St. Joseph or Lakeland Hospice. Those wishing to share a memory or sign Bob’s Guest Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Bob was born October 13, 1924 in Benton Harbor to David & Mary (Burtzloff) Cowgill. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1942 and entered the US Army Air Force, serving during WWII. On April 25, 1959, he married the former Leona Kempton in St. Joseph. Bob was employed as a salesman for South End Beverage in Benton Harbor, retiring in 1989 after 34 years. Following retirement, he drove for Sieman’s Ford in Bridgman. He was a member of Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ where he served on the Board, and was head usher for many years. Bob was a loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed the time spent with his family, and in his spare time enjoyed bowling & golfing. Bob is survived by his wife Leona; his children-Scott (Brenda) Cowgill of Berrien Springs, Kimberly (Douglas) Barker of St. Joseph; seven grandchildren-Tiana (Ryan) West, Victor McLaughlin, Cynthia & Thomas Cowgill, Bradley, Lauren & Ella Barker; one great-granddaughter Cora West; and numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife Lois O’Connor Cowgill in 1958 and by siblings-Lucille Williams, Duane Cowgill, Marie Barnett, & Frances Williams.