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Lester Cowen Obituary
1947 - 2017
69 of Mentone, California, passed away suddenly from an apparent heart attack at his home on January 21, 2017. Lester was born on September 7, 1947 in Loma Linda to Chet and Esther Cowen of Mentone. He graduated with the class of 1965 from Redlands High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Sherry (Hill) Cowen on February 5, 1966 and adored her for 50 years before his passing. Lester joined the Air Force in April 1966 where he served honorably until 1970. Lester was a man's man who could build or fix anything and post-military he began a life-long career in the appliance repair business. From 1984 until 2016, Lester owned and operated Cowen Appliance Service, which was headquartered in his hometown of Mentone.
While Lester's greatest love was his wife, Sherry, he was obsessed with baseball, fishing and classic cars. He was a terrific dad to his two daughters and one son and he was the quintessential "Pops" to his 8 grandkids. He taught all his kids and grandkids how to camp and fish and to love classic cars. Never one to travel too far from home, his favorite place in the whole world was his garage.
He is survived by his wife, Sherry (Hill) Cowen, his daughter Staci (Cowen) Wolfe and son-in-law William Wolfe, daughter Jennifer (Cowen) Fitzgerald and son-in-law Sean Fitzgerald, son Joshua Cowen, as well as 8 grandkids, his mother Esther (Clifford) Cowen, his sisters Suzi (Cowen) Birkey and Sally (Cowen) Gerdes, and 9 nieces and nephews. Together, with numerous extended family members and friends, he will be sorely missed. The whole family is devastated by this unexpected loss and yet is comforted by the knowledge of Pops' great love of Jesus. His legacy is one of love, patriotism and hard work. His wide smile and brilliant blue eyes will be burned into our hearts forever.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, February 3, 2017 at 11:00am at Faith Chapel Mentone, 1259 Agate Avenue, Mentone, California 92359. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lester's name to the Redlands Bench Warmers at www.redlandsbenchwarmers.org or to Faith Chapel Mentone with a designation to the Royal Ranger program, 1259 Agate Avenue, Mentone, CA 92359.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lester Cowen
Sponsored by San Bernardino Sun.
Andre
February 4, 2017
My most sincere condolences to your family for the loss of your loved one. May God strengthen you and give you peace during this difficult time. Psalm 29:11
January 31, 2017
Dear Sherry and Cowen family, We were so saddened at the news of LES leaving this earth behind. We have many memories to ponder starting with John finding him in a young adult bible class at the church in Mentone. We counted it a privilege to know both of you and hear what was exciting in your family from Betty and Stan. We send our love and prayers for strength and peace to your whole family. Love John and Willma Voss
January 30, 2017
Les, was the most honest dependable serviceman we ever had, his wife sherry a ray of sunshine! Our lives will never be the same without him. My sincere condolences to sherry and his extended family. He will surely be missed by many.
The Avila's
customers.
Gail Cole
January 27, 2017
Such a wonderful gift to everyone who knew him taken way to soon.Memories of him will last forever.So sorry for your loss.
Mary Lee & Arthur Smith
January 27, 2017
Sherry, Jennifer, Staci, Josh and families: You all know that Les held a very special place in our hearts as do all of you. We feel so privileged to have known him and enjoyed his friendship over the past years. We have so many great memories of times spent together with Les and all of you. May God give you all the strength you need to get through this difficult time and may your wonderful memories keep Les alive in your hearts forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Heather Mundell
January 27, 2017
Wishing I could be there with you today, Sherry as you say goodbye to your wonderful husband. I am so glad I met him and know we all will again someday. Blessings & huge hugs to you and your family. Love Heather
Web and Troy Gaskin
January 26, 2017
Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to all of you during this most difficult time.
George &Wendy Belliveau
January 26, 2017
Sherry and family,our hearts are with you , may your wonderful memory's help ease your pain.
Greg Sebourn
January 26, 2017
May Jesus wrap Lester and his family and friends in His warmth, love, and grace. May He grant to Lester's family and friends peace, courage, and strength in the knowledge that Lester is with Jesus.
I never knew Lester but I know he and his wife raised an amazing family full of love and strength. My heart goes out to you and I pray you will find peace through mourning.
Sincerely,
Marj Adams
January 26, 2017
May the memories of your wonderful times together be of comfort to you in the time ahead. Sincere condolences from Marj & Tony Adams, Canada.
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