Ward M. Cowden

Ward M. Cowden, USN Ret., 69, of Hartstown, died peacefully at home Thursday, April 10, 2008.

He was born in Corry October 28, 1938, a son of the late Garold L. and Ethel W. Smith Cowden of Conneaut Lake.  He married Pvt. Barbara Kay Myers May 18, 1965, a daughter of Roy E. and Jeannette L. Myers of Mechanicsburg, while stationed at Marine Corps. Air Station, Cherry Point, NC.

A 1957 graduate of Linesville, Conneaut, Summit High School, he joined the U.S. Navy January 8, 1958 and retired from the Navy July 15, 1977.  He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, Vietnam Service Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Battle Efficiency Ribbon.

Employed at Drafto Corp., Cochranton from March 28, 1978 until his death, he worked as a grinder and machine operator.  He was a lifetime member of the National Veterans of Foreign Wars, lifetime member of the American Legion Post 111, member of the Vernon Central Volunteer Fire Dept., and the Conneaut Lake Park Fire Hall.  He was a former 4-H leader of the Jog Along Horse Club, enjoyed horses, wood working, and his time spent with loved ones.  He was also a scholar of the outdoors as an avid archery hunter and accomplished fisherman.  He always tried to make a positive impact on every life he touched and will be missed and loved but never forgotten by all.

He was a member of Shermansville United Methodist Church.

Survivors, in addition to his wife Barbara of 42 years, include 3 children, Theresa M. Dempsey and her husband Vance of Meadville; David G. Cowden and his wife Suzanne of Meadville; and Mary Beth Cowden of Port St. Lucie, FL; 6 grandchildren, Amber Dempsey of Newport News, VA; Thomas Dempsey of Ft. Lewis, WA; Emerald and Elyssa Mitchell of Conneaut Lake; Michelle Allen of Pittsburgh; and Robert Cowden of Conneaut Lake; 1 great-grandson, Shane; 2 sisters, Roma Hamilton of Conneaut Lake and Marylou Cowden of San Antonio, TX; a sister-in-law, Geraldine Cowden of Conneaut Lake; and numerous nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Charles Cowden and an infant brother, Garold L. Cowden.

Calling hours will be Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Waid-Coleman Funeral Home, 12422 Conneaut Lake Rd., Conneaut Lake with an American Legion service at 6:45 p.m.

A funeral service will be Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. John Bargar, Pastor of Shermansville United Methodist Church officiating.

Interment with military honors provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2006, Meadville will be in Southside Cemetery, Shermansville.

The family suggests memorials may be made to the PA Soldiers and Sailors Home, 560 E. 3rd St., Erie, PA 16507 or the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.