Leo Richard Cowles, age 81 of Wellston, passed away January 2, 2018 at Munson Medical center in Traverse City.
Leo was born August 14, 1936 in Owasso, MI to the late Edward Lloyd and Genevieve Frances (Garey) Cowles. He attended Owasso schools and served in both the Michigan Army National Guard and the US Army Reserves. On July 13, 1964 Leo married Joy Ann Steppig. She Preceded him in death on November 18, 2014.
He was employed as a maintenance man for the Manistee Area Public Schools and prior to that by the Shiawassee County Road Commission. He was a member of the Heritage Baptist Church in Manistee. He was a “Soccer Grandpa” and enjoyed watching state of Michigan sports teams.
Leo is survived by his children; Patti (Steve) Pachesny of Manistee, Kevin (Olga) Cowles of Grand Rapids and Jerry (Melissa) Cowles of Las Vegas, grandchildren; Jennifer Briske, Joanna (Charles) Sprik, Erica Kirk, Shannon (Tim) Machrolis, Kayla Cowles, Logan (Sonja) Pachesny, Karlee Cowles, & Brandy Cowles , great-grandchildren; Hannah Sprik, Alexander & Delana Kirk and Aiden Vasquez, brothers; Rev. Bernie (Gloria) Cowles of Florida, Roxy (Betty) Cowles of Wyoming, Ray (Janice) Cowles of Vicksburg, Wellington (Sherri) Cowles of Alpena and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was also preceded in death by two sons Paul & Douglas Cowles, great-grandson Elijah Sprik, in-laws Lillian Steppig and Victor Steppig, siblings; Eileen Hicks, Frances Schnibner, Florence Sdunick, Leroy Cowell, Mable Cunningham, & Bud, Wayne and Todd Spencer.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 1:00PM at the Heritage Baptist Church in Manistee with Pastor T. Eric Struble officiating. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 12 noon. Burial will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery in Owasso at a later date.
Memorial contributions in Leo’s name may be directed to Heritage Baptist Church in Manistee.
The family has entrusted the Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Manistee with funeral arrangements. To share a photo or memory with the family, please visit Leo’s personal page at www.oakgrovefh.com.