Elmer Mccowin

E. KENNETH MCCOWIN Click here to view Ken's Video Tribute IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Elmer Kenneth “Ken” McCowin, 86, a lifelong resident of Idaho Falls, died on September 18, 2009, at Idaho Falls Health & Rehabilitation Center. He was 86. Ken was born in Idaho Falls March 25, 1923, to Elmer Hyrum McCowin and Nona Catherine Christiansen McCowin. He attended public schools and graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1940. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. He joined the US Army Air Corp in 1943 and was stationed in London, England with the 8 th Army during World War II. He was proud of his military service and frequently reminisced about his escapades during the War. Among the favorite memories of his youth in Idaho Falls was spending time with his grandparents on their homestead along Sand Creek in Ammon. His hero was his mother, Nona “Mom” McCowin. He loved music, was an outstanding dancer and had a beautiful singing voice. He could whistle his way into your heart. He frequently talked about the fun he had dancing to the sounds of the big bands at the Wandamere Ballroom and the night he proposed to Uvon Butler to the sounds of Louis Armstrong’s band playing at Riverside Gardens. Ken and Uvon were married on January 26, 1947 in Idaho Falls, Idaho and celebrated sixty-two years together in 2009. Three daughters were born to this marriage. After coming home from World War II, Ken drove truck and then became the third-generation owner of McCowin Livestock Transportation. After selling the trucking business to Golden Valley Packers in 1972, he was a feedlot manager for Spur Cattle Company and, following his retirement, he was an independent cattle buyer for Con Agra. His word and his handshake was his bond. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge - BPOE 1087. He and Uvon enjoyed many evenings dining and dancing at the lodge in Idaho Falls with friends and family. Ken knew more jokes than Johnny Carson and Bob Hope combined. He was always ready with a laugh and a smile. He never met a stranger. He never met an animal or a child who didn’t love him. He was a kid at heart. His greatest joy was spending time with his family at the cabin in Palisades, especially with his grandchildren. Ken had an incredible memory and knew the history of every building in Idaho Falls. He loved world history, especially things about England and Germany. He loved western movies, especially those starring John Wayne. He loved watching his grandsons play sports: basketball, footballs and especially baseball and instilled his love of the sport in them. He never missed a baseball game in which his grandsons played. As recently as two months ago he was sitting in the bleachers watching their games. Ken was preceded in death by his mother and father; his sisters, Alita Hartert, Elma Lott, Donna Hartley, Betty Osborn and Cathryn Fohrenck; his brothers Carl and Clifford McCowin and by his daughter, Kerry Lee McCowin. He is survived by his wife, Uvon, and his daughters, Shannon Bowman and Stacy (Gary) Pullen, all of Idaho Falls. He is also survived by three grandchildren: Brooke Pullen of Idaho Falls, Brandon Pullen of San Diego, CA and Brian Pullen, Scottsdale, AZ; and three great-grandchildren: McKenzee Pullen, Chanse Jackson and Kenyen Uvon Heeding. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2009, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue, with Pastor Gordon Boyle of Calvary Chapel officiating. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday for one hour prior to services, with both visitations at the funeral home. Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Team. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Pam Tangbakken kezha1@msn.com My prayers are with you all. I will always remember how kind and funny your Dad always was when he came into the Clinic to see Dr. Avondet. Even when he wasn't doing well, he still had a smile! Stacy, when I saw how you honored your Dad every time you brought him into the Clinic the Scripture that I was reminded of was I John 3:18 " Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." You truly loved your Dad in action. May God's peace surround you all during this time. Pam (Dr. Avondet's Nurse) Kent and Lucille Dale blingu2@hotmail.com Our thoughts and prayers for comfort are sent to each of you today. Kenny was always so much fun to be around. He always brought smiles to our faces and great stories to listen to. He will truly be missed. Lots of Love, Kent and Lucille Martha (Marty) Morris Terrell met@ida.net To Shannon and family my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. Kenny was always our first choice for trucking and he was always highly thought of. It has been many years since you and I worked together but I think of the fun we had at work and the time at your cabin. Chris Swatsenbarg swatchri@yahoo.com Dear Stacey and Family, I enjoyed getting to know your Dad, at dialysis. His teasing personality will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Chris Joe Jones jopaulajones@msn.com Uvon, Shannon, and Stacey: I learned of Ken's death today (9/20/09). I was deeply saddened to hear the news. I always felt a special connection with Ken. I've lost a good friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Ted Armstrong t2carms@yahoo.com Dear Uvon and family. My memories of him are his wonderful sense of humor and his ability to be a good friend to everyone, he will be missed by all who knew him! Ted Armstrong Holly Andrew Cook lavenderlily33@hotmail.com Dear Stacy & Family, I was so sorry to hear about your Dad. You are such a kind and loving lady and I know you get that from your wonderful parents! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love you, Holly Terry Brooks terry.brooks@inl.gov Dear Shannon and Family; I am so sorry for the loss of your dad/husband. In this time of great loss and sorrow, I wish you some peace. Glenna Gilchrist gilly02@msn.com My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I worked with Kenny many years ago at Golden Valley he brought such fun to us at the office and will miss his smile and spark in his eye Mary Lee Moore To: Shannon and Stacy Just learned of your Dad's passing. Please know I send my love and a hug. It is never easy. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jeanne Burgie Thorne sjthorne2@msn.com I was so sorry to hear of Ken's death. Mother (Donna Whitehead Burgie)use to tell stories about him and all the other McCowin family. Although I only met him as a little girl I know my folks thought so much of him and his family. Sincerly Jeanne Thorne Trish Swinyard and Kelli Marshall tswinyard@cableone.net Stacy and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. May your fathers happy memories and good times help you through this tough time. Love Always. Kelli and Trish Marnae Munns marnae@iglide.net I was saddened to hear of the loss of your dad/grandfather. He seemed like a wonderful man. Your happy memories will help you through the hard times. My thoughts are with you. Marnae