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Laurent Cowling Obituary
Dr. Cowling was born October 1, 1939, in Floyd County, IN, son of the late Laurent "Dutch" Cowling and Helen Hendricks Cowling. Dr. Cowling grew up in Speed, IN. He was a graduate of Silver Creek High School, IU Bloomington and Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. He practiced optometry in Lexington, KY, Louisville, and worked for Monfried Optical in Louisville and later owned his own Monfried Optical Franchise in Louisville on Preston Highway. Upon selling his practice he went to work for Vision First until his retirement.
He loved and cherished his family with whom he shared many special times. Dr. Cowling was a devoted U of L fan and served as the basketball team's optometrist for many years. He was an avid golfer and member of the Jeffersonville Elks Lodge and Country Club. He was a member of Eastside Christian Church in Jeffersonville and was totally committed to the Lord. He was a passionate person who never met a stranger and had many friends due to his warm, sincere, generous nature that endeared him to all those who knew him or met him.
He is survived by wife, Ruth Ann Cowling; daughter, Kimberly (Rob) Purlee; stepson, Marc (Dr. Cherie) Sedwick; grandchildren, Heather Purlee; stepgrandchildren, Cory and Christian Sedwick; numerous cousins and a host of friends.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at the Garr Funeral Home in Sellersburg with interment of his ashes to occur later at Sellersburg Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday from 2-8 p.m. with an Elks Memorial Service at 7 p.m Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, American Cancer Society, Hosparus of Southern Indiana or the Eastside Christian Church.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.garrfuneralservices.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Laurent Cowling
4 Entries
David & Libba Willingham
November 30, 2013
Ruth Ann,
Don and I were always at the Cowlings usually eating Hellen's cakes. Gayle was always a teaser and usually in trouble with Helen. It was great fun to watch his joy of life.
He was a great companion and lifted everyones spirits. I wish Libba and I had been more frequent visitors. We certainly enjoyed both of you and hope you have a good support group in this time.
Darlene Rowlet
November 29, 2013
Doc was a great inspiration to all around him. I've never met anyone who was kind hearted as he was and don't think I will meet anyone else in my life to even come close to him. He was so full of life and liked having a good time whether it was his family, working, golfing or his stories. For me personally, he as like another father to me. He took an 18 year old kid from KFC and believed in me enough to coach me and mentor me along the way. Besides teaching me the world of optics he taught me many life lessons of which at times were not always what I wanted to hear. But it he always had my best interest at heart. I think anyone who has any contact with him knows he was a true friend. I love this guy and am missing him very much. Hope someday I can impact some one else's life like he did mine to keep his legacy alive.
Dr. Stephen Steilberg
November 27, 2013
I have known Gayle since 1978. He was always pleasant and engaging. I will personally miss him and his kind nature.
Renee and Todd Ashton
November 27, 2013
Ruth Ann, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. Gayle will be missed dearly.
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