Francis "Frank" M. Cowger, Sr.

1922 - 2020

Francis "Frank" Marion Cowger Sr., 98, of Mio, Michigan, passed away at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City on October 6, 2020. Frank was born in Paris, Arkansas on June 11, 1922 to Ransom Scott Cowger and Nora Evelyn (Vandegriff) Cowger. He married Bettye Colleen (Wagner) Cowger on July 7, 1943 in Lancaster, California, while Frank was serving in the Army Air Force at Muroc Airfield. Bettye travelled from Detroit, Michigan, via train, to become his wife before Frank shipped out to the Western Pacific. He served as a cryptographic technician aboard the 4th Floating Aircraft Repair Unit, the Asa N. Duncan, on a top secret mission, later known as Project Ivory Soap. Frank proudly served in World War II from January 1943 to December 1945.

Frank and Bettye were childhood sweethearts and married for 67 years and remained so, until The Lord called them home. He is survived by his five children; Frank (Beth) Cowger Jr., Colleen McDowell, Marianne Cowger, Katherine Somers, and Linda (Jim) Matulevicz; and his 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. He was also survived by his sister, Betty Dee Durocher.

Prior to and after Frank’s military service, he worked for the Detroit News, learning a trade beginning as a "darkroom man" (1940-43). After the war, he became a free-lance photographer, retiring in 1971 and moving to Mio, Michigan.

Frank was first introduced to the Mio area when invited to hunt there by a friend. He not only enjoyed the hunt, but also fell in love with the area. He continued hunting in Mio with his buddies, and started the tradition within his own family. Many memories were made over the years with multiple generations sharing in the hunting experience.

Frank was a very loving father who was always involved with his children. He got the entire family shooting in archery competitions across the state of Michigan. The Cowger Family Archers were well known in the archery world and also modeled in Bear Archery advertisements.

Frank’s love for his family was always present. Frank and Bettye hosted many family gatherings at their home, creating lots of memories watching old 8mm family movies, sledding with the kids, snowmobiling, golfing, making homemade ice cream, churning butter the old fashioned way, watching the wildlife from their porch, and always providing a fully stocked candy jar.

Golfing was a sport Frank took up and mastered after retiring. He practiced many hours on the driving range he built on his property. He shared his passion (and his clubs) with his family and helped instruct many that were grateful for his patience and encouragement. He honed his skills to be a par golfer and enjoyed golfing well into his 80’s.

Serving on the Oscoda County Board of Commissioners for many, many years was a huge honor for Frank. He was dedicated to this role as he always wanted to work for the betterment of his community. He felt privileged when he was recognized and appointed by Governor Engler to a statewide committee chairman role in his later serving years.

Bettye preceded him in death in January 2011 and he was also preceded in death by his sister, Pauline Cowger, and two son-in-laws; Terry McDowell and George Somers.

Frank and Bettye will be interred together at the Mentor Township Cemetery in Mio at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Lashley Funeral Home in Mio.