William A. Cousins

William A. Cousins, 73, a resident of Soldiers and Sailors Home, Erie, since the Fall of 1994, formerly of Meadville, died Sunday, December 3, 1995, following a period of declining health.

He was born February 2, 1922, in Sharpsville, a son of the late Joseph and Jessie (Beck) Cousins.  He married Margaret Sheakley.

He was a clergyman for forty years, serving Congregational and United Church of Christ churches in Virginia, Michigan, Long Island and Cleveland, OH.  Since his retirement, he has been a member of Grace United Methodist Church.

He was a veteran of World War II with the US Army Air Corps' 8th Air Force based in England.  He served as a tail gunner on a B-17.  He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf clusters for his service.

He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1947 from Allegheny College and his Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1950 from Drew Theological School.

Surviviors include, two sons, William A. Cousins of Huntington, PA and Joseph A. Cousins of Sand Point, ID; two sisters, Mrs. Frank (Neva) Chismar of Blooming Valley and Mrs. Oscar (Helen) Bishop of Hermitage; one brother, James G. Cousins of Blooming Valley; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Jessie Newberry and Dorothy Cousins and three brothers, Richard, Albert and Joseph Cousins.

Services were held at Waid Funeral Home.

Interment was in Mt. Hope Cemetery.