Richard Otis 'Dick' Cowles

Jan. 16, 1921--Nov. 30, 2010

NORTH PLATTE, Nebraska -- Richard Otis Cowles, 89, died Tuesday (Nov. 30, 2010), in North Platte, Nebraska.

He was born Jan. 16, 1921, to Otis and Selma Riedler Cowles in Thurston, Nebraska. He grew up in Thurston County and had fond memories of working on the farm for Ed and Marg McQuistan.

In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served as a machinist mate on a mine sweeper in the Aleutian Islands and South Pacific during World War II. After his ship took a kamikaze plane and sank he was given shore duty. He was discharged from the Navy in 1945.

On Jan. 12, 1947, Dick was married to Joy McCallum in Wauneta, Nebraska. To this union two daughters were born.

Dick was a 60 year member of the Masonic Lodge. He served as Worshipful Master of Wauneta AF and AM Lodge No. 21 in 1954. He held the office of custodian in the Grand Lodge for several years. He was the associate guardian of Job's Daughters Bethel No. 43 in Wauneta while his daughters, Peggy and Cindy, were active members.

From 1949 until his retirement in 1986, Dick was a rural mail carrier . He carried routes out of Wauneta until 1972 when he was transferred to Trenton where he carried routes out of Trenton and Stratton. He took pride in always getting the mail delivered in all road conditions.

For many years after his retirement Dick would either be found fishing or out in his shop working with wood. He made wooden trains and trucks for his grandsons, and Barbie doll furniture for his granddaughters.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Ernest Morrison; sisters, Clara Miller and Gladys Weed; and brother, Arnold Cowles.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joy; two daughters, Peggy Warner and Cindy and husband, Tim Litz, all of North Platte; four grandchildren, Jamie and husband, Matt Nutt of Curtis, Nebraska, Jordan Warner of Cozad, Nebraska, Mick and wife, Kortnie Litz of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Angie Litz of Hastings, Nebraska; great-grandson, Coby; brother-in-law, Clint and wife, Betty McCallum; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are Friday, 1:30 p.m., at Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte. Burial is in Fort McPherson National Cemetery with military honors graveside.

Visitation is today until 8 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.

Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.