Robert B. Cowder

He was born on January 2, 1920 in Clearfield, the son of R. Veryl and Ruth (Blyth) Cowder.

Mr. Cowder was a graduate of the Clearfield Area High School, Class of 1937 and the Clearfield School of Aviation in 1941. He had been employed at Glen L. Martin constructing B52 Bombers in Baltimore until going into the U.S. Army. He also had worked for the former Jacobson and Etzweiler Store and retired from American General as an insurance agent after 23 years.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in WW II during the “Battle of the Bulge” receiving the bronze star and purple heart and had served as a past Chaplin for the Clearfield American Legion John Lewis Shade Post #6.

Mr. Cowder was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church.

He was a member of the BPOE Lodge #540, the AARP, was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, and was a past treasurer of the Golden Bison Association.

Mr. Cowder is survived by three sons Retired U.S. Air Force CSMGT Michael M. Cowder, of Stafford, Virginia, Retired U.S. Air Force MSGT Robert B. Cowder, Jr. and his wife, Carolyn, of Utah and Mark G. Cowder and his wife, Tia, of Sebring, Florida, a step-son Bart Bartholomew and his wife, Shirley, of Sebring, Florida, ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

He was the last member of his generation having been preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Ethel (Gourley) Cowder who passed away in February 1988.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Bennett and Houser Funeral Home, Inc. with Rev. Robert Way officiating. Interment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded at the cemetery by the Clearfield American Legion John Lewis Shade Post #6 and the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #1785 Honor Guard.

Friends will be received at the funeral home on Friday, September 12th from 7-9 PM and on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the hour of the services.

The family suggest memorial contributions be made to the St. John Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 1454, Clearfield, PA 16830 or charity of the donor’s choice.

To send online tributes go to www.bennettandhouser.com or www.mem.com