John B. Cowling

John B. Cowling of Cuba, Missouri was born Monday, September 5, 1938 at Washington, Missouri to the union of Irvin B. and Margaret (Nee: Perkins) Cowling. He left from this life suddenly on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at Missouri Baptist Hospital, Sullivan at the age of 80 years.

John proudly served in the United States Navy from August 1, 1956 till September 4, 1959. He was transferred to the United States Naval Reserve until July 31, 1962.

On November 19, 1960 John was united in marriage to Loretta L. Rutz at Holy Cross Catholic Church and they are the proud parents of one daughter; Michelle.

He retired as an engineer for the telephone company after forty plus years of dedicated service. During his career he worked for ConTel, GTE and Verizon. After retiring they moved back to Crawford County and enjoyed their years at the farm. From 1993 till 1996 John and Loretta traveled and stayed in their fifth-wheel camper. They wintered in Florida from 1995 till 2007. You could find them on ATV trips around the county from 2006 until 2014.

For the last many years, John has affectionately been known as "Uncle Buzzard". If you had ever seen him stretch out his arms, you would know why he got that nickname. Uncle Buzzard was also known for his story telling abilities. His stories were very long, because he made them up as he went, and he always got people to laugh at his stories.

He enjoyed deer season, he didn't want to kill a deer, he just wanted to hang out with the guys. One of Uncle Buzzard's favorite past times was playing golf. Again, he got to hang out with the guys and enjoy the day.

Uncle Buzzard was the truest role model for guys on "how to treat your wife". After fifty-eight and half years of marriage, John said Loretta was as beautiful today as the day he married her. His love for her has been a true example to everyone and his caring for her, was because of love not duty.

John always took care of "his girls" and spending time with his family and friends were most important to him. He was a loving son, brother, devout husband, father and amazing uncle, brother-in-law and friend of everyone. Uncle Buzzard was loved and respected by all. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents Irvin and Margaret Cowling, two brothers; Robert Cowling, William Cowling and other family and friends.

Those who are left to treasure his memory and to continue his legacy are his loving wife Loretta Cowling of the home, daughter Michelle Cowling of Cuba, sisters-in-laws and brothers-in-law; Gayla Cowling of Dillard, Phyllis Cowling of Rolla, Patricia "Pat" and Paul Maerli of Cuba, Glen and Jane Rutz of Lyon, Mississippi, Joseph and Cheryl Rutz of Washington, Missouri, Mary Rutz of Cuba, Charles and Betty Rutz of Fayetteville, Arkansas, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and a host of other relatives and many friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the Cuba Lakes Golf Course, Hwy O and Hwy 19, Cuba. Full military honors will follow the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society in John's memory.

In keeping with Uncle Buzzard's wishes, he was cremated, and his inurnment will be private.

The Mizell Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Cowling family.

Service Details.

Service

When: Saturday, June 22nd, 2019 10:00am
Location: Cuba Lake Golf Course
Address: Hwy 19 & Hwy O CUBA, MO 65453