Capt. Robert A. Cowley

[ironputts]

December 4, 2020

Capt. Robert A. Cowley
Group II Headquarters
Texas Wing

Robert A. Cowley born August 21, 1954 in Coon Rapids, Minnesota and passed away on November 8, 2020 in Rockwall (Garland), Texas.

Preceded in death by parents Bob and E. Gay Cowley, father-in-law L. D. Kerss all of Garland, Texas; nephew James P. Gifford of Elijay, Georgia.

Survived by wife of 43 years Leanne (Kerss) Cowley of garland; daughter Paige and her husband James Howard of Kyle, Texas and five grandchildren; sister Lynn and her husband Robert Gifford of Elijay, Georgia; brother Loren and his wife Laurie Cowley of Forney, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, long-time and life-long friends.

Robert Cowley was a member of the first graduating class of North Garland High School in 1973. High school sweethearts, Leanne and Robert were married in 1977 and celebrated 43 years together in August of this year. He earned an Associate's Degree from Richland College and studied for his electrical engineering degree at University of Texas at Dallas. He chose to become an electrician in his early twenties, earning his Master Electrician's license before age 30 with one of the highest scores in the state at the time. Robert worked for Varo in Garland before becoming a machine maintenance mechanic at Western Electric/AT&T/Lucent Technologies in Mesquite, where he worked for 25 years. While with AT&T/Lucent he proudly helped the plant win the prestigious Demming Award for excellence. He continued in his profession until his retirement from CBRE.

Robert has been a member of Civil Air Patrol, a civilian U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, for many years beginning when his daughter joined as a cadet while in high school. He was an active member of the Plano Mustang Combined Squadron and served as squadron commander for a short interval. Most recently he served at the Texas Wing level in communications. He was honored to serve as a member of the American Legion Post 321 Honor Guard until his health failed. Robert was a proud American, beloved husband, best daddy ever, loving brother, and a true loyal friend. He lived a life that was the embodiment of continually seeking and sharing knowledge.

Complications of diabetes have cost our family the life of a fine man, please control yours.