Henry Steven COWGILL III

COWGILL Henry Steven III Henry Steven "Steve" Cowgill III, 83, died peacefully in his home on Monday, July 2, 2012, surrounded by his immediate family, after a courageous and dignified battle with Alzheimer's. He was born in Carthage, MO on January 6, 1929. His family moved to Monroe, MI when he was 14 years old. After graduating from Monroe High School, Steve entered the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean War. He then continued his education at the University of Toledo where he met his wife of 56 years, Gloria Maxwell Cowgill. They settled in Monroe, MI where they had many fun filled years raising their four daughters and exploring the Great Lakes in their sloop "The Matinee". Steve and his best friend also traveled extensively throughout the United States on their motorcycles. After one of their trips to the Rocky Mountains, he came home and said, "I've found Heaven on Earth". Shortly after, the family built a summer home in Ouray Colorado. While spending summers in the southwest, Steve and Gloria began a life long passion and love for southwest Native American art. They spent their retirement years in New Mexico, where they continued to inspire and promote Native American artists. Steve was honored in 1998 by the Hopi Indian tribe as a National Treasure and was awarded "The Great Elder Ceremonial Pot". This was a great honor, as they have never honored anyone outside the Hopi Nation. Steve was proceeded in death by his youngest daughter, Karon Cowgill Braunlich; his sister, Joan Cowgill Taft; and brother-in-law, Thomas Taft. Surviving members of his family are his loving wife, Gloria; his three daughters, Kimberly (John) Cousino of Erie, MI, Kellie Overley of Toledo, OH, and Karlie (David) Row of Albuquerque, NM. Thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild are left to cherish his memory. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at Erie V.F.W. post 3925- 3925 Erie Rd., Erie, MI. Pastor David Row of Albuquerque, NM will officiate. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or the Alzheimer's Association of Northwest Ohio.