Truman David "Bud" Cowles

Truman David "Bud" Cowles, 102, formerly of Manchester, beloved father to Mary Jo, David, and Elizabeth, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 7, 2025. He was born on April 2, 1923, in Hartford, son to Truman and Georgette (Gates) Cowles. Bud grew up in Hartford, attended local schools and was a graduate of Bulkeley High School, Class of 1941. In December of 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, proudly serving his country until June of 1946. While enlisted, Bud completed his studies at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. After his time in the service, he attended The Catholic University of America, in Washington, D.C., and obtained a J.D. in Law in 1949. In 1950, he met the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Bowman, and shortly thereafter, married on November 3, 1951. They lived in West Hartford for a few years and then settled in Manchester in 1957. At that time, he began working as a corporate attorney, then later in Personnel, for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford and remained with them until his retirement in 1987. Bud was interested in many sports. He enjoyed baseball, and in the early 1960's, was the Commissioner of Little League for the Town of Manchester. He was a very strong swimmer and avid tennis player, belonging to multiple sports clubs. He and Mary also enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and Europe, dancing together wherever they went. He was a member of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, attending Masses at both St. Bridget Church and St. Bartholomew Church since 1957. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, served at the Manchester Soup Kitchen, taught CYO classes, was a lector for nearly 20 years, and later served as an usher and greeter. Truman remained at his home in Manchester until the age of 99, when he relocated (with the help of his daughter, son and daughter-in-law) to Bluffton, SC, for the warmer weather and sunshine lacking in CT. While there, Truman enjoyed the pleasant change in weather and the freedom it brought to be outside in the warmth along with the company of David, Lana, Liz and Doug. Truman is survived by his three children, Mary Jo C. Regan and her husband J. Mark Regan of Windsor, T. David Cowles, Jr. and his wife Lana of Bluffton, SC, and Elizabeth A. Brisco and her husband Douglas E. Brisco of Dataw Island, SC; his grandchildren, Jennifer Querim and her husband Damon of Simsbury, Kevin M. Regan and his wife Courtney of Boca Raton, FL, Michael J. Regan and his wife Samantha of Middletown, Brian D. Regan and his wife Keyla of Phoenix, AZ, Ashley Cowles and her husband Michael Razo of Hanscom A.F.B., MA, Truman D. Cowles, III, and his spouse Daniel Olson of San Jose, CA, William J. Brisco of Bluffton, SC, and Thomas B. Brisco and his fiancé Katherine Callis of Manchester; his great-grandchildren, Alexa Querim, Reese Querim, Brennan Regan, Braden Regan, Anderson Razo, Addison Razo, and Malakai Regan; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Barbara Bartosik and her husband George; his sister-in-law, Margaret Berube and her husband Ronald Robert; his brother-in-law, Joseph Bowman; and his grandchildren, Robert M. Brisco and the Querim triplets. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Rd., South Windsor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish – St. Bridget Church, 80 Main St., Manchester. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Connecticut Children's Medical Center Foundation, Attn: Robby Brisco Open, 282 Washington St., Hartford, CT 06106, to aid in pediatric cancer clinical trials. To leave an online message of condolence for his family, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.