Arthur Gerald Cowell, age 88, born January 12, 1918 on Honey Run, Wadestown, son of Arthur Raymond and Leona Cowell died Sunday October 1, 2006 at his residence. He was a lifelong member of the Wana United Methodist Church and a resident of Wana. A decorated veteran of World War II, Arthur served as a U. S. Army Air Corps B-24 flight engineer in the Pacific Theater where he flew missions out of Australia and New Guinea. He was self employed as proprietor of Cowell's Garage in Wana and worked several years at West Virginia University's Physical Plant. Arthur enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, traveling, farming, and he was an avid organic gardener.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bessie Virginia Thomas Cowell; a brother, Carl Cowell; and a sister, Alberta Cowell Haught.
He is survived by two brothers, Albert Cowell of Blacksville, and Thomas Cowell of Greensburg, PA; a son, Lowell (Frank) Cowell and his wife Jackie of Smithtown; a daughter, Ginger Lea Brookover and her husband Gene of Jakes Run. His grandchildren are Scott Cowell and wife Elizabeth, Kimberly Hawley and husband Jimmy, Todd Cowell and wife Lorie, and Laurie Sinclair. Also surviving are great-grandchildren Zachary Cowell, Cheyenne Cowell, Conard Cowell, London Cowell, Erica Hawley, Travis Hawley, Presley Hawley, Andrew Cowell, Anthony Cowell, and Lucas Cozort.
The family extends sincere gratitude to June Higdon, Lisa Lewis, family, friends, and Hospice for their care and support in recent months.
Friends may call at the Owen-Neely Funeral Home in Blacksville, WV from 2-4 & 7-9 PM Tuesday. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at 11:00 AM Wednesday with the Rev. Bill Withers officiating. Interment will follow in the Wadestown Cemetery, Wadestown, WV.
Memorial donations may be made to The Bessie Virginia Thomas Cowell Endowment Fund at West Virginia University Foundation, 1 Waterfront Place, 7th Floor, Morgantown, WV 26501-5952. The permanent endowment aids WVU Childrens Hospital in care of the hospital's youngest patients.