Larry was born in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma to Dick and Laura Cowger on February 6, 1943 and was the youngest of 4 children. His family moved to the Bay Area of California when Larry was just 3 years old after his father Dick took a job as a welder in the shipyards. Not long after coming to California, his family moved to the Anderson/Clayton Ranch in Cantua Creek on the Westside of Fresno County. Larry was raised on the ranch which was one of the largest farming operations in the San Joaquin Valley at the time.
Larry attended school at Cantua Elementary and Tranquility High School where his main interests were in agriculture and athletics. While at Tranquility High School, he met his high school sweetheart. Terry Miller, and they married a year and half later in August of 1964. They were married for 58 years. Larry and Terry had three sons. Kenny, Corey, and Rusty.
Larry began his career with the State of California in 1969 as a firefighter with old Mid Valley Fire Protection District at Caruthers on the fairgrounds. In December of 1971, the family moved to Clovis. California when Larry took a job as an Engineer for Mid Valley Fire. Various assignments and promotions took him through 31 years in what is now known as Cal Fire. Larry thoroughly enjoyed those years traveling throughout California before retiring in 2000 as a Battalion Chief in Madera County. He and Terry particularly loved living in Amador County where he was an Instructor at the state's fire academy.
in 1975, Larry was diagnosed with a form of head/neck cancer which began a long history of health issues, non of which stopped him from enjoying his 31 years with forestry that he dearly loved.
Larry and Terry enjoyed camping with the boys and many friends through the years. Larry loved the Western heritage and roping and he cultivated those passions as a member of the Clovis Rodeo Association for 20 years serving as treasurer, equipment and grounds supervisor and 5 years as a board member and was the Grand Marshal in 2019 just before he underwent another major head/neck cancer surgery, removing his right ear. He and Terry enjoyed another year or so of camping with friends at the Central Coast and Hensley Lake before selling their travel trailer. Such wonderful memories, such great friends and family. So Blessed. Larry was also a long time member of the College Church of Christ, Elks Lodge, Barbed Wire Collectors Association, and Central Valley Prospectors Association.
Larry is survived by his wife, Terry Cowger; his son Kenny Cowger (Tami); his son Corey Cowger (Kim); and his son Rusty Cowger; his grandchild Kindle Cowger, his grandchild Julie Cowger, his grandchild John Clay Cowger, his grandchild Erin Cowger, his grandchild Cole Cowger and his grandchild Indy Cowger.
Larry was preceded in death by his father Dick Cowger and his mother Laura Cowger; his sister Freddie Miser; his sister Yahoma Lee Reardon and his brother Dick Cowger.
A Celebration of Life for Larry will be held Monday, February 6, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at College Church of Christ, 1284 East Bullard Avenue, Fresno, California 93710.
Contributions in Larry's memory may be made to Cal Fire Honor Guard at Honor Guard Local #2881, 1731 J Street, Sacramento, California 95811 US, https://calfirelocal2881.org/honor-guard; and Yosemite Bible Camp, 50869 Road 632, Oakhurst, California 93644.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Cowger family.
