Photo courtesy of Reed & Benoit Funeral Home Inc. - Watertown
Oct 19, 1941 - Nov 15, 2025
RIP Mr Cowles, I have many fond memories of you and Ruby during my childhood, your son’s Van an Bob were a big part of my childhood, I remember spending a lot of time at your place and you and Ruby always treated me as one of your own! My thoughts and prayers go out to Van and Bobby! I’m sure you’re ecstatic being back with Ruby! ❤
Brian Sweet
November 19, 2025 | Hernando, FL | Family
Sad to hear - So Many Happy and Funny memories I hold of Bob and Ruby - many coffee visits with our kids along living just down the road. May he rest in peace and many prayers to Bobby and Van and all their family. God Bless
Kathi Pierce
November 19, 2025 | Salinas, CA | Friend
Van and Bob im sorry to have heard this. Your dad was a great man. Ill never forget that laugh and some of the things he taught all of us. It was so nice to meet him and have him treat me like one of his own you will be missed by many and never be forgotten. Rest in peace Bob
charles brown
November 19, 2025 | Glen Park, NY | Friend
So sorry to hear about Uncle Bobbys passing. Sending prayers & Love
Rebecca Davis-Young
November 19, 2025 | Black River, NY | Family
Robert Henry Cowles, 84 years old passed away November 15th, 2025 at Samaritan Medical Center with family by his side.
Robert (Bob) was born on October 19th, 1941, in Watertown, the son of Merwin and Pearl Woodard Cowles. He attended school in Rodman and Watertown, NY. He married the love of his life Ruby Mae Cowles (Maxwell) on May 3rd, 1961. He would often share stories of his love for Ruby and the fun times they had dancing the jitterbug at places like the Square Dance Ranch and in their kitchen.
Bob worked various jobs in the Watertown area, always striving to provide for his family. He worked at the New York Air Brake Corporation, Mercy Hospital and ended his working career plowing for the Town of Rodman. Bob was a skilled mechanic and could always be found “puttering” on his own vehicles and equipment, a trait he passed down to his sons.
Robert will be lovingly remembered by his witty jokes, his contagious laugh, and his love and admiration for his grandchildren. He was known for showing up at every game, show, concert – you name it – he was there. He was the type of man to give the shirt off his back to help anyone in need. He enjoyed watching the Cowboys, collecting coins, attending car shows and spending time with friends and family, especially lunch dates with his “honey” (granddaughter Dana).
He is survived by his two sons Robert (Anita) Cowles, Watertown, and Van (Amy) Cowles, Rodman, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Darlene Dawson, Watertown.
He is predeceased by his beloved wife Ruby Mae Cowles, three brothers Raymond, Buryl and Albert Cowles, and four sisters Ruth Murray, Jeannie Robinson, Oleta Soluri-Hondusky and Betty Lou Cowles.
Calling hours will be held on Monday November 24th from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Inc.
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