Obituary of Richard R. Cowan , 83

Richard R. Cowan, 83, of Bellefonte, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at the Altoona Regional Health System – Bon Secours Hospital.

Born on October 12, 1926 in Altoona, he was a son of the late Robert Cowan and Mildred Cowan Spain.

On January 13, 1960 in Milesburg, he married the former Shirley R. Parks, who preceded him in death on July 3, 1999.

He was employed and retired from the PA Department of Transportation, working as an Equipment Operator.

Mr. Cowan honorably served our country in the U.S Navy, where he served in World War II and the Korean War. He served on the USS Bogue, an escort carrier; USS Wilson, a destroyer; and the USS Juneau, a cruiser.

He was a Past Commander at the Milesburg American Legion 893.

He enjoyed reading war books and magazines, and loved going for rides to enjoy the local landmarks.

He is survived by two daughters, Sylvia R. Horner (Daniel) of Bellefonte, and Connie L. Grubb (Gary) of Bellefonte; two sisters, Annabelle Peregrine of South Bend, IN, and Maxine Rockey (Donald) of State College; four grandchildren, Julie Ranney (Ben), Jason Grubb (Gretchen), Daniel Horner, Jr., and Desiree Grubb; and two great-grandchildren, Mikaela and Colton Grubb.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by one sister, Roberta 'Jane' Runkle and one brother, Gary Spain.

Family will receive friends on Monday, November 9, 2009 from 11 AM until the time of funeral services at the Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Services, 1034 Benner Pike, State College.

Funeral Services will be held from the funeral home on Monday, beginning at 1 PM. Internment will follow at Centre County Memorial Park, State College, where full military honors will be accorded.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Cowan's name to the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home, P.O. Box 319, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.

A guestbook can be signed and condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.