Herbert Wayne Cowgill

Herb, also known as Wayne, was a beloved husband, brother, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife JoAnn, sisters Mary Lynn (Jack) and Lydia (Jerry), brother (Boyce), children: Jennifer, John (Susan) and Christine, and 3 grandchildren, Kurt, Chloe and Felix.

Herb was the oldest of four children. He grew up taking piano lessons, hunting with his father, and riding motorcycles. He attended California State University at Northridge where he majored in accounting, after which he became an accountant for Lockheed Martin.

In 1973, Herb began his career at McDonald’s, working to become an Owner/Operator. He opened his first restaurant in January of 1976 and retired February 1, 2021. During his long McDonald’s career, he helped to open the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona.

Herb enjoyed fishing, especially at Lake Powell in northern Arizona. Almost every minute he spent on the lake would be consumed with fishing. His favorite part would be to “hit a boil!” Herb also loved music, singing, and dancing, which he was able to indulge in after he retired.

Herb loved to stay active, and he could always be found going for a walk in the afternoons, walking a couple of miles a day year round, in spite of the weather.

Herb loved military history as well, especially the complicated history of World War Two. In the evenings he could be found watching a documentary, sometimes for the third or fourth time. In 2004, Herb visited Hiroshima and was able to experience firsthand the somber history of the war that fascinated him.

A memorial service to celebrate Herb’s life will be held on August 1, 2025, at East Lawn Palms, starting at 2:00 PM. Following the service, a reception will be held at John and Susan Cowgill’s home, and the address will be provided at the service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona in Herb’s name.

Herb leaves behind a legacy of caring, kindness, and dedication to his family. His memory will forever be held dearly by all who had the privilege of knowing him