Robert E. Cowles

Robert E. Cowles, 87, Hidy Avenue, passed away on Friday, October 6, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family while under the care of Hospice. There will be no public calling hours or funeral service.

Bob was born on January 25, 1930 in Plattsburgh, NY, the son of the late Gradon and Alzina (Estes) Cowles. He attended school in Au Sable Forks, NY and later Kimball Union in New Hampshire and following graduation Middlebury College in Vermont. Bob enlisted in the US Army serving in the Mountain and Cold Weather 10th Mountain Division at Camp Hale in Colorado. Upon returning home, Bob was the owner of DaMar Dairy in Mexico, NY. He later became a member of the 273 Pipe Fitters in Oswego, NY and retired after 20 years. Bob married Nancy Martin 1956 in Mexico NY, the marriage later ended in divorce. He later married Marlene Dudash on December 17, 1974 in Adams, NY.

“Big Mink,” as he was known by his friends, was a charter member of the Mexico Lions Club, past president of the Rip Collins Association to establish the construction of Little League fields in Mexico, NY, and a member of the Mexico Fire Department for twelve years. He also was the founder of the Tini Time Club in Cranberry Lake, a member of the Weller Mountain Club in Parishville and the Merry Go Round Club in Lyon Mountain as well as a NYS hunting guide in Cranberry Lake. Bob also belonged to the American Legion Post #79, Amvets Post #4 and the VFW Post #1143.

Bob is survived by his wife, Marlene; a son, Martin Cowles and significant other Starlene Burton of Mexico, NY; step children, Marlene Burch, Russell Yablonski and Kristine Whitcomb of Massena; grandchildren, Shamalenea, Miles and Lacey Cowles, Zachary Whitcomb, Jolene, Michael and Shantel; a sister, Nancy Petrushaue of Lyon Mountain. 

Memorial contribution in Bob’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice or an act of kindness towards somebody else. 
Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Phillips Memorial Home in Massena. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.PhillipsMemorial.com
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